FROM THE COURTS: A murderer, who stabbed his victim over cigarette money, has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars.

The successful conviction and sentence of 36-year-old Brian Klaase was all due to the diligent and meticulous investigation by Warrant Officer Elridge Losper, formerly attached to the Vioolsdrift Detectives.

Klaase was this week sentenced in Springbok Regional Court for the murder of 25-year-old Reagan Austin Losper.

The court heard the accused and deceased knew each other and both resided in Vioolsdrift, near the Namibian border. On 27 April 2024, an argument ensued near a shop in Vioolsdrift after the accused demanded money he had given the deceased to purchase cigarettes.

Evidence before the court indicated when the deceased said he had no money, the accused became enraged, produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed him.

The deceased attempted to defend himself and fled towards the police station. He collapsed on the N7 National Road and succumbed to his injuries.

He was declared dead at the scene, with a fatal stab wound to the neck.

Through professional and thorough investigative work, Losper ensured that crucial evidence was secured.

The accused admitted that he had not acted in self-defence, that his life was not in danger and that his actions were unlawful and punishable by law.

The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended Losper for his dedication and excellent investigative work, which contributed to ensuring that justice was served and that the accused received the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.