A Gugulethu couple has been convicted for the murder, which took place in 2017.
In August 2017, former Naspers CFO Frederik (Eric) Wiese was found lying dead in his bedroom by his wife Sanie Wiese.
On Wednesday Nomfundo Mtshawu and her boyfriend Vuyolwethu Mgemane were both found guilty of murder and convicted for an additional count of housebreaking.
They were caught on CCTV footage at the house.
On the day of her arrest, Mtshawu had said that she “only held” the deceased, but did not kill him. She stated that she was not present when Mgemane strangled Wiese and that he was alive when they left his home.
Judge Taswell Papier, who convicted the couple, said it was improbable that Mgemane would have managed to assault, strangle and drag Wiese on his own.
“The deceased was 1.85 metres tall and weighed 89kg. He was well built and slightly overweight. It is improbable that Mgemane would be able to drag, tie and strangle the deceased on his own, without requiring the assistance of Mtshawu.”
He said that Mtshawu must have foreseen that the assault would have led to the death of Wiese and that she failed to intervene or distance herself from it.
Mtshawu admitted to stealing six cellphones, a 42-piece cutlery set, a wristwatch, food, wine and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The couple’s sentencing proceedings will start on 1 August.
Sanie said:
“Today was a confirmation that our legal system still works and I am satisfied with the judgment.”
