Iuze Mukube
Brenton Hendricks, a 24-year-old convicted on a lesser charge of culpable homicide for the killing of his elder brother Joslin Sagaria Hendriks in 2022, last Thursday told Judge Claudia Claasen that he wished his brother could come back.
Hendricks, who was convicted on 6 June 2025, took the stand during his pre-sentencing hearing.
The accused was initially charged with murder after being arrested for allegedly brutally stabbing his brother at least seven times during a confrontation on 25 September 2022 at Spokiesdorp in Lüderitz.
In a tearful display of remorse and amid pleading for a lesser sentence, he told the judge that he could not express how painful, sorrowful and gut-wretched he felt for causing the death of his brother.
“I feel pain. I miss him, and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. I love him and I still do. I apologised to the family, and they forgave me,” he said.
In mitigating, he stated that he has been a born-again Christian for the last two and a half years.
He was in custody for seven months from the time of his arrest until he was granted bail.
He pleaded for a suspended sentence (non-custodial) or community service, indicating that he did not mean to take his brother’s life. Additionally, he said he is the sole breadwinner of the family and has two children.
He stated that a custodial sentence would not allow him to look after them, as his parents are unemployed.
In response to the judge, Hendricks appreciated the severity of his actions, saying that his brother lost his life because of his actions.
He added that he has learned to manage his anger during conflict.
His parents, who also took the stand last Thursday, pleaded with the court for a lesser or suspended sentence. They said they could not bear to lose their remaining son.
Hendricks remains in custody.
He is represented by Legal Aid lawyer Joseph Andreas.
The State is represented by Advocate Anna Amukugo.
The matter is postponed to 30 June for sentencing.