Boeta's murder: Sentencing next week, state wants life

GEORGE NEWS - During her testimony in court earlier today, Thursday 24 October, Charmaine Titus, the sister of the murdered George businessman Theodore Roman (Boeta) told the court that her brother was a caring man who always provided for others.

She said Roman (51) was the oldest of three siblings. After he died in 2018 both their parents also passed away in 2022 and 2023.

"Both our parents were extremely saddened and traumatised by the event, and never accepted what happened. They always wanted to know what the outcome would be for Boeta's murderer. In their hearts they wanted to forgive my brother's murderer," she said.

Luvuyuo Dondashe (45) was found guilty of Roman's murder in 2018 on Friday 13 September. The case was postponed until today for presenting arguments. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday 31 October.

Besides the charge of murder, Dondashe was found guilty of aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and pointing a firearm in public. He was found guilty on all the charges.

On the day of the murder, Roman, the owner of Boeta's Corner in Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Borcherds, and his shop assistant were on their way to the bank when Dondashe entered the building and demanded the money. Roman confronted him after which Dondashe opened fire.

Roman did not use bank bags for his money but instead hid the business's money in boxes.

During the shooting, the assistant threw a box of money behind the counter and hid there. Roman was hit three times in the chest and died on the scene.

Dondashe grabbed a box, which he thought had money in it. Instead, he fled with a box of glasses which he mistook for money. The box with the glasses and a firearm were later found.

Dondashe, originally from the Eastern Cape, was on parole when he shot and killed Roman at his business in Nelson Mandela Boulevard on 22 January.

He was sentenced in 2005 after he was found guilty on a charge of robbery in Dispatch.

State Prosecutor JJ Marx said in his closing arguments that Dondashe is a habitual criminal of serious offences and doesn't think that rehabilitation would be an option for him.

He has a long list of previous serious criminal offences behind his name. The serial number of the weapon he shot Roman with was also removed, which indicated to the state that the robbery was premeditated.

According to Marx, Dondashe came far, from the Eastern Cape to George, to commit this crime while he was on parole serving a 17-year sentence.

"He came prepared and has shown no remorse. In my opinion, he is not a suitable candidate for rehabilitation. He continuously committed serious offences since 2008," said Marx.

The state suggested a life sentence be handed down.

Theodore Roman was much loved by the community and his family.