Maritzburg murder accused sentenced to life in prison
The 22-year-old man who murdered three elderly people in Pietermartizburg has been handed three life terms.
Kershwin Goldstone pleaded guilty to the crimes last week.
He confessed to stabbing, strangling and robbing the retirees at two frail care facilities in the city last month.
In handing down his sentence this afternoon, Judge Piet Bezuidenhout labelled Goldstone's actions callous and without consideration. He said they were motivated by Goldstone's own selfish greed and desires.
Bezuidenhout said the victims' last moments must have been terrifying, adding that Goldstone robbed them of their most precious possession, their lives.
ALSO READ: PMB murders: South Africans have become desensitised to violent crime
He said Goldstone must be removed from society for a long time.
The sentences will run concurrently.
During proceedings, Bezuidenhout said he was hopeful the sentences would send a strong message to society.