Andrew Owen
1964 – 2007
Sedgley, Dudley
Perpetrators
Andrew Owen, a 42-year-old builder and father-of-five from Sedgley, West Midlands, was murdered on 15 April 2007 in a violent mugging as he walked home from a night out at local pubs.
He was grabbed in a headlock, robbed of his wallet, phone, jewellery and watch, and died from neck injuries in Coronation Gardens, Sedgley, after fighting back against his attackers.
His killers were two South African men living illegally in Wolverhampton (visas expired): Jabu Mbowane and Gabriel Bhengu.
They targeted vulnerable people (often those affected by drink) in a series of seven robberies in the West Midlands and Shropshire area.
Bhengu was convicted of two murders (including Andrew’s and another victim, Neil Williams, 41, killed 10 before later in Stirchley), while Mbowane was convicted of one murder.
In May 2008 at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Bhengu and Mbowane received life sentences with a minimum of 30 years and were recommended for deportation.
Rest in peace Andrew. You will not be forgotten.