The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has welcomed the hefty sentence handed down to 32-year-old Thomas Bhekumuzi “Allias” Masina. Masina was sentenced to effective 10 years imprisonment for arson on Thursday 5 March 2020, at the Belfast Regional Court.
The Court heard how on 11 May 2017, Masina took a decision to intentionally torch a building in Dullstroom housing police Detectives at about 04:30, where he thought he will never be caught as everyone was asleep at the time. The building he torched belongs to the public (clients/complainants) and his action was a big blow as most valuable things were destroyed by the blazing fire that was initiated by Masina.
A case of arson was opened at Dullstroom police station and the Forensic Team attended the scene gathering all necessary evidence. The suspect to this case was unknown at the time, however the detectives worked very hard to crack the case and eventually a breakthrough was made when Masina was apprehended as well as charged on the matter.
Masina appeared several times in court until he was finally convicted and sentenced on Thursday. Masina’s sentence was handed down without a suspension and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner has gladly welcomed the sentencing of the man.
“This sentence will definitely send a strong message to the community that, acts of criminality are punishable by law. Though one can commit crime where there is no other person, however our most dedicated police members will hunt and locate them so that they account for their deeds like in this case of arson. In spite of valuable reason(s), people should desist from burning facilities that have been constructed for their benefit. We strongly condemn any burning, vandalising and destruction of public property, “said General Zuma.
Meanwhile, Masina will appear again on Thursday, 19 March 2020 at the Belfast Regional Court for house breaking and theft of motor vehicle charges that led to him burning the building, thinking that he was concealing evidence.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
