The Bojanala District Commissioner, Major-General Arthur Adams has welcomed the life sentence handed down by the Mogwase High Court on Monday, 2 November 2020, after the brutal killing of Natash Molapo (43) from Rustenburg.
The court heard that the victim and the accused, Vumile Davidson Manjo (44) were in a relationship. The accused could not come to terms with the victim ending the relationship and visited the home of the victim. However, she had arranged with the security company not to allow him access and she also refused to take his calls.
On Saturday, 2 February 2019, Manjo arrived at about 04:00 at the complex where the victim was residing, requesting to gain entry, which was denied by the security. He left, but waited a short distance from the complex, knowing that the victim had to pass him on her way to work.
The victim, driving to work and accompanied by a friend, saw his vehicle and made a sharp U-turn, trying to flee back into her complex. Unfortunately, he followed them and at the security checkpoint, he jumped from the vehicle and shot her multiple times at close range, while she was still seated in her vehicle.
Her traumatised friend was wounded during the ordeal, but managed to flee the scene. The victim was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) and the accused handed himself over to the police.
Vumile Davidson Manjo (44) was sentenced to twenty five years imprisonment for murder, ten years for attempted murder, eight years for the unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as five years for the unlawful possession of ammunition.
Major-General Adams applauded the investigation officer, Warrant Officer Thabo Mokgari, for his excellent investigation. “He did a sterling job and the judge commended him for a comprehensive murder investigation. Further, gender-based violence will not be tolerated and the safety of women and children remains a top priority;” he said
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