The fight against serious and violent crimes remains a top priority for police in Gauteng Province as the Detectives leave no stone unturned in addressing the proliferation of these crimes and ensuring that perpetrators face the might of the law.
The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has hailed the sentences handed down this past week to murder convicts.
The Johannesburg High Court sentenced 53-year-old Andria Dube and 38-year-old Thulani Ncube to three life terms and an additional 33 years’ imprisonment each on six counts which include murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Dube and Ncube were sentenced in less than two years after they committed a business robbery at a clothing store in Westonaria on Wednesday, 14 October 2020. During the robbery, armed suspects exchanged fire with local security guards which led to two persons being shot and killed.
One of the murdered victims included an innocent female bystander. Police arrested Dube and Ncube at the scene and seized unlicensed firearms with ammunition.
The case was assigned to Sergeant Jabulani Edwin Ngobeni, a detective attached to the West Rand District Trio Task team. Ngobeni meticulously pieced all the evidence together and through the application of forensic investigative techniques he was able to build a solid case against the accused.
Meanwhile, on 23 February 2022, the Pretoria Regional Court sentenced 31-year-old Thabang Jeffrey Mkhize to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder of a 43-year-old man.
It was on 23 November 2019 when members of SAPS Mamelodi East attended to a murder scene whereby a man sustained multiple stab wounds and succumbed to injuries.
Detective Sergeant Jack Diphofa worked tirelessly, following up on all available leads to ensure a water-tight case against the accused in court.
In another incident, the Vosloorus Regional Court sentenced 38-year-old Thokozane Nkosikhona Lamola to 15 years’ imprisonment for murder and possession of unlicensed firearm.
Lamola shot his victim several times after they had an argument at Block P hostel in Vosloorus, subsequently fleeing to Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Through the dedication and meticulous investigation of Sergeant Semela Tekela, Lamola was traced and arrested on 20 January 2021 at Nkandla.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has lauded the investigating officers for the commendable work they did in securing these lengthy sentences and ensuring justice is served. “These convictions are an indication that the police in Gauteng are committed in ensuring that those who transgress the law are chastised as per the law. The sentences will not only serve as a deterrent to those would be transgressors but will work at restoring the faith of the community in the justice system, emphasised Lt Gen Mawela.
