A thorough investigation and the subsequent bringing of a perpetrator before court are crucial elements in the efforts of the SAPS to secure convictions. This was evident when Jerome Cupido alias Rompie who was charged for the murder of 12-year-old Aseef Mitchell in Athlone in 2018 appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday, 25 August 2020, and was sentenced.
On 26 April 2018, the accused and another male person went to 8 Short Street, Hazendal, Athlone to purchase drugs. Ashraf Mitchell, the owner of this house was not at home. The 12-year-old deceased and the complainants, Samuel Brown and Clint Sholtz were sitting around an open fire in front of the yard of the house when the accused and another male person arrived at the house.
The accused enquired about and purchased drugs from Samuel Brown, whereupon Samuel went into the house to get the drugs. When he returned from the house and handed the drugs to the accused, the accused took the drugs, took out a firearm, and started to shoot at the deceased and the complainants.
The deceased and complainants sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital, where they received medical treatment. Twelve year old, Aseef Mitchell died the same evening in hospital due to the gunshot wound.
Jerome Cupido was sentenced on the murder charge to life imprisonment without parole
For one attempted murder he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
In addition for two attempted murders he received eight years imprisonment.
On a count of possession of firearm the court handed him 15 years imprisonment.
Meanwhile for possession of ammunition he was handed 18 months.
The Western Cape SAPS Management has welcomed the sentence, stating that it sends a strong message to criminals. The investigation and prosecution teams are commended for the excellent work in ensuring the accused was brought to book. The SAPS undertakes to maintain a zero tolerance approach in the combatting and investigation of crime.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
