Three men convicted in connection with the 2019 murder of St Francis Bay resident and boat builder Duncan Lethbridge have been handed life sentences.

Lethbridge was 76 years old when he was murdered during an incident at a residential property.

Sentencing In Gqeberha

Bongani Faku, Lukhanyo Faku and Thobile Grootboom appeared in the Gqeberha Regional Court on Friday, 4 September 2026, where sentences were imposed following their convictions on four charges.

Each man received life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for attempted murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and two years for trespassing.

Arrests Followed The 2019 Murder

The case was investigated by St Francis Bay Detectives.

According to SAPS, the three men were arrested between 2019 and 2020 in connection with the incident, which involved entering a residential property, carrying out an armed robbery and attacking the occupants.

The State opposed bail following their arrests, and all three remained in custody for the duration of the trial.

St Francis Bay Detectives Secure Convictions

The investigation ultimately resulted in all three men being convicted of trespassing, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and attempted murder.

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso welcomed the sentences and commended the St Francis Bay Detectives involved in the investigation.

SAPS also acknowledged the work of the investigative team and prosecution in securing the convictions and ensuring the accused remained in custody from the time of their arrests.