A man who deceitfully portrayed himself as a helpful individual following the murder of a model has been sentenced to life in prison. Bhekisani Matabiswana, 27, took the life of Luke Harden, 36, shortly after they met at a Halloween gathering in Stacksteads, Lancashire, on October 31 last year. Harden passed away on November 1 on Newchurch Road in Bacup, Lancashire.
Matabiswana, residing on St James Street in Bacup, was apprehended at Manchester Airport two days later while trying to escape to South Africa. Despite denying the murder charge, he was convicted at Preston Crown Court and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years and six months.
During the trial, it was revealed that Harden, an employee at Nemesis Model Agency in Manchester, was scheduled to DJ at the Halloween event. Matabiswana, who was present at the same party with his friends, launched a vicious assault on Harden after they both left the venue, as described by the police as a “frenzied and cowardly attack.”
Instead of seeking help, Matabiswana used Harden’s phone to inform his family and friends of the supposed discovery of the injured victim. Lancashire Police’s Det Insp Pete MacDonald characterized this act as an attempt by Matabiswana to falsely portray himself as a benevolent bystander.
The court learned that the assault on Harden was sudden and brutal, leaving him defenseless. Harden sustained severe injuries including brain swelling, facial bruising, fractures, and blunt force trauma, ultimately leading to his demise.
In statements, Harden’s loved ones expressed profound grief and devastation over the loss of a compassionate and beloved individual. Harden’s girlfriend shared the emotional toll the incident had taken on her mental health, describing the lasting impact of the tragic event on their future plans together.
The family members of the victim recounted the anguish and trauma they experienced upon learning of Harden’s untimely death, highlighting the enduring pain and shattered sense of security caused by the heinous act.
