The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has welcomed the life sentence handed to Phenis Mzimba (24) by Pretoria Magistrates’ Court for the murder of Peter Thobela.
On 3 September 2019, Thobela gave Mzimba a lift together with two men on the N4 road in Bronkhorstspruit. The trio hijacked Thobela before shooting him and leaving his body in a ditch where it was discovered by community members.
The vehicle was recovered in Witbank and through the assistance of the public, Mzimba was traced and arrested for murder and hijacking. The case was investigated by Sergeant Dennis Tshepo Mahlangu attached to Trio Crimes from Tshwane District.
The Court found Mzimba guilty for robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.
He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery and life sentence for murder. The sentences will run concurrently.
The police continue to appeal to the public to be vigilant at all times and not to hitchhike and accept lifts from people they do not know. Motorist are also urged to refrain from giving strangers lifts as they could be putting their lives in danger.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mawela commended the meticulous investigation conducted by Detective Sergeant Mahlangu and also appreciated the community members for coming forth with information that assisted with the investigation.
