Three hijackers who shot and killed victim get life sentences

South African Police Service

Three hijackers who shot and killed victim get life sentences
Three hijackers who shot and killed victim get life sentences

The Acting North West Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, applauded the life imprisonment sentences handed down to three accused, Jan Moche (35), Solomon Mokwena (36) and Donald Lebeya (34) by the Pretoria High Court on Thursday, 25 July 2019.

The sentencing came after the three accused were apprehended during March and April 2014 in connection with the murder of Mongezi Nzuzo, committed on Tuesday, 25 March 2014, at Letlhabile, outside of Brits.

Information was received from members of the community about a lifeless body that was found lying in the bushes next to the Letlhabile Clinic. Police responded swiftly and went to the scene to investigate the matter. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was hijacked of his silver Polo Vivo and his cellphone was taken, before he was fatally shot in the head.

As investigation continued, the first accused Donald Lebeya, was arrested on Friday, 28 March 2014 at Atteridgeville, whilst in possession of the victim’s vehicle. In addition the accused led the police to the apprehension of one of his accomplices, Jan Moche, who was nabbed on Saturday, 29 March 2014, whilst attending a funeral at Klipgat. The last accused, Solomon Mokwena, was arrested on Monday, 7 April 2014, at Hammanskraal. Furthermore the accused were linked through evidence provided by the person who bought the victim’s stolen cellphone.

The three accused were given the following additional sentences:

20 Years for car hijacking, five years imprisonment each for possession of unlicensed firearm and two years’ imprisonment for possession of ammunition. The sentences will all run concurrently.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Naidoo, congratulated Brits Cluster Detectives for securing these three life sentences. He also applauded the members for collecting enough evidence to assist them in achieving success in the case. Major General Naidoo said this sentence will send a strong message that criminals will face the full might of the Law.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service