Jonkeid's Killer Gets Life

In South Africa, Elton Smith has received a life sentence for the murder of consumer psychologist Dr Klaas Jonkheid, while his older brother Wayne has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars for his part in the crime.

Jonkheid (48) was killed near the Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch in May 2009, after attending a SAMRA (South African Marketing Research Society) conference. He had been shot in the head, and his body was then set on fire. Personal items, including his wedding ring and mobile phone, had been stolen and his hire car had been torched.

The brothers were found guilty in December, and yesterday in the Western Cape High Court, Judge Ashley Binns-Ward sentenced Elton Smith (23) to life imprisonment, plus 15 years for robbery with aggravated circumstances. He received an additional three years for the illegal possession of a firearm.

His brother Wayne (25) then received a seven year sentence for being an accessory after the fact, and six years for robbery, with the Judge stipulating that he should only be eligible for parole after serving at least eight years.

Jonkheid, from Johannesburg, was the owner of The Consumer Psychology Lab, which is currently led by his widow Liezel. He previously co-founded marketing services company iD8, and held research and brand management roles at Millward Brown, Cadbury Schweppes and ad agency Lindsay Smithers FCB.

'Our family is very relieved at the conclusion of this chapter,' Liezel said in a statement. 'We feel this sentencing brings some justice, though it can never compensate for the loss of Klaas. Our thoughts go to the parents of these murderers.'

An hour after the Judge passed sentence, the brothers' advocate applied to appeal on behalf of the older brother. The application was turned down.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.