The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Risimati Peter Shivuri applauded the investigating officers, Sergeant Attie Browers and Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielligh for securing conviction against Godfrey Makaleni (28), Sipho Buthelezi (21), Nkosinathi Mpungose (21) and Deon van Staden (27).
They orchestrated the murder of a 73-year-old John Phindile Oliphant in September 2016. The decomposed body of John was found in the veld near Transit Camp in Galeshewe. The body was found by a passer-by who alerted the police. On arrival of the police at the scene, John’s body was found restraint and tightened with cable ties.
Three of other men who were also arrested in this case, who were suspected to have been part of the murder were not found guilty as the investigation could not link them with the crime.
On 27 July 2020, the Northern Cape High Court found Godfrey Makaleni (28), Sipho Buthelezi (21), Nkosinathi Mpungose(21) and Deon van Staden(27) guilty and sentenced them.
They were sentenced as follow; Godfrey Makaleni was sentenced 13 years direct imprisonment on count of Robbery with aggravated Circumstances,
Sipho Buthelezi 12 years’ direct imprisonment on count of Robbery with aggravated Circumstances, Nkosinathi Mpungose and Deon van Staden were sentenced to 22 years direct imprisonment, on count of Robbery with aggravated circumstances and Murder.
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