After two years of intensive investigations, the trial of a 32 year-old man Snthemba Emmanul Dzanibe was concluded at the Durban Regional Court. On 30 January 2019, the Durban Magistrates Court judge sentenced him to a term of life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery and two years for defeating the end of justice.
This is due to the sterling investigation conducted by a seasoned Chatsworth detective.
During the evening of 9 January 2017, the accused visited the home of the deceased requesting transportation. The deceased James Mthetwa agreed to take Dzanibe leaving behind his wife and children at their home. The wife of the deceased became suspicious when her husband did not return home and reported a case of kidnapping to SAPS Chatsworth.
The accused was found in possession of the victim’s motor vehicle as well as cellular phones when he was arrested and placed before court.
The accused initially appeared before the Chatsworth Magistrates Court on charges of kidnapping and robbery. He was denied bail and remanded in custody. The accused finally informed police that the body of the deceased was buried in Ixopo.
Police proceeded to Ixopo where the body of the 42 year old man was exhumed. During the murder trial, the accused informed the court that he had a mental illness which prompted the court to conduct a psychological assessment on the accused.
Three state psychologists conducted assessments with regards to his mental capacity. He was found fit to stand trial. The state closed its case after leading 14 witnesses at the trial.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
