‘Hammer man’ caught in Richards Bay sentenced
Gerhardus Viljoen (36) fled from the gruesome Springs scene and was on the run for some time as police circulated flyers throughout the country
THE man who was dramatically arrested in Richards Bay in April after bludgeoning a victim and a dog with a hammer, then fleeing, has been given an 18-year jail sentence.
Gerhardus Viljoen (36) fled from the gruesome Springs scene and was on the run for some time as police circulated flyers throughout the country.
Although Viljoen’s appearance had changed dramatically from that on the wanted posters, he was recognised by a sharp-eyed member of the public as he begged openly in the Richards Bay CBD.
Flying Squad member W/O Johan Kotze put Viljoen in handcuffs in front of the Lakeside shopping precinct in a sting operation that included Richards Bay SAPS and volunteers from AfriForum’s safety network.
Warrant Officer Wynand du Toit and Kobus Janse van Rensburg of the Springs SAPS, the investigating officers, sped down to Richards Bay and took the suspect back to Springs to face justice.
The victim later died from his injuries.
Viljoen was recently sentenced in the Springs Regional Court to 15 years for murder and three years for assault.
The sentences will run concurrently and he will serve his time at the Modderbee correctional facility.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
