Extremely dangerous criminal sought after been given bail

Extremely dangerous criminal sought after been given bail
Extremely dangerous criminal sought after been given bail. Photo: SAPS

The Palm Ridge High Court has on 18 December 2017 sentenced John Mokhele (47), Mphumelelo Biyana (40), Sifiso Mbhele (44), and Mandla Phanyeko (43) to lengthy prison term for murder and armed robbery with aggravating circumstances as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

On the evening/afternoon of the 1st September 2010, at Kinross Mpumalanga, a group of about twelve armed suspects stormed into three business premises in and committed robberies, they took valuables which included firearms ,Cash and jewellery and also assaulted the victims before they fled the scene with a get away vehicle.

The police attempted to intercept the vehicle near Devon and the suspects started shooting at the police who retaliated, six suspects were fatally wounded on the scene, the other six managed to escape however they were later traced to springs where five suspects were apprehended.

When they were being arrested in an attempt to escape they shot and fatally wounded a 35 year old motorist whom they tried to hijack. One suspect managed to get away at this stage.

Further investigations by the Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Unit led the arrest of the outstanding suspect and the recovery of numerous firearms, which included R5 rifles and hand guns.

The group was sentenced as follows: Mokhele received 81 years imprisonment of which he is to serve 22 effective years. Ngcobo died during trial. The accused was out on R10 000.00 bail and committed another armed robbery where he was fatally wounded. Siphiwe Mbonani (39) was convicted on all charges but the accused never returned to court for sentencing, a warrant of arrest has been authorized against him. Biyana was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment of which the accused must serve effective 20 years. Mbhele was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment of which he has to serve effective 20 years. Phanyeko was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment of which the accused will serve effective 20 years.

Members of Secunda Hawks requests all citizens of the Republic of South Africa to assist with information which can lead to the arrest of Siphiwe Mbonani who is still at large. Anyone with information is urged contact the Investigation Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Jacob Ras of Secunda Hawks at 0824620760

The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks Mpumalanga Brigadier Obed Ngwenya would like to appreciate the outstanding performance rendered by the investigating officer. “In addition Acting Provincial Head would like to appreciate the contribution of the 88 witnesses who testified willingly.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service