Two Mozambican criminals who terrorised homes in Krugersdorp, west of Joburg, in 2009 have been convicted on four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, according to a report on Tuesday.
Eric Nkuna and Fortunato Simbine targeted townhouse complexes in the Noordheuwel area, frequently inflicting psychological and physical torture on their victims.
Nkuna was also found to have murdered Juan van Eeden, 28, at his townhouse complex, but there was insufficient evidence to link Simbine to the crime, Beeld newspaper reported.
In one incident, a family was held captive for hours, the mother was threatened with rape and the two daughters, who were seven and two respectively, were asked which of their parents should be shot first.
In a separate case, Simbine left a fingerprint at the scene of the crime after holding up Johan Potgieter at his home.
In another incident, a woman was choked, then beaten with a monkey wrench, before they stole her car.
Sentencing will take place later this week. – Sapa