Investigating serious and violent crimes is accepted as a challenge for D/W/O Yolandi Mynhardt at SAPS Kwazakele and she faces these challenges with confidence and boldness.
With this attitude, she has conquered and triumphed over many of her cases, with the latest feat securing her a life sentence for two murder, attempted murder and robbery aggravating accused.
On 24 December 2019 at 17:10, the two accused, Siyabulela Mraji (25) and Sinthembile Ntiokwana (28) went to the house of the deceased, Peter Sample in Higa Street in Zwide and accused him of stealing speakers.
After Sample denied the allegations, the accused left and later returned. They fatally shot him twice. A TV set was taken from the house. As the two accused were leaving, they stopped a vehicle driving pass and pointed the driver, aged 64 years old with a firearm.
When he refused to give his vehicle, he was shot in his hands while his female passenger, aged 70 years old was shot in both legs. They got into the vehicle and fled.
The incident was broadcast on all communication channels and later that same day, the suspects were arrested in the vehicle in Kwazakele. The stolen items, a 9mm pistol and ammunition were recovered.
On Wednesday, 25 August 2021, both accused were sentenced in the Gqeberha High court on the following:
Murder – life imprisonment
Attempted murder x 2 – 15 years on each count
Robbery aggravating – 10 years
Illegal possession of firearm – 5 years
Illegal possession of ammunition – 5
The sentences will run concurrent to the life sentence.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective Commander, Brig Luntu Ngubelanga commended the investigating officer on securing life sentences for both accused.
‘High quality investigations like this demand a thorough and complete case docket in order to secure a sound prosecution. Hard work and attention to detail played a crucial role in securing such sentences for the accused,’ commented Brig Ngubelanga.’
Read: House robbery and murder of Peter Sample (62), two arrested, Zwide
