Nine suspects accused of murdering a man in a brutal act of vigilantism last year were handed down lengthy sentences in the Cape High Court on 28 May 2012.
We are hopeful that others will learn from this, and realise that the community cannot take the law into their hands, because by doing so, they become criminals themselves.
On Sunday 6 March 2011 at 2h00 members of Milnerton police were summoned to a murder scene at the Du Noon Community Hall. On arrival members came across a group of residents gathering next to the body of an unknown male whose hands and feet were tied up against a fence with wire.
Two bricks with blood stains were discovered close to the victim, and it became apparent that the victim was killed in cold blood. It was later established that he was accused of having stolen a cellular telephone. For this suspicion, he paid with his life.
Investigations led to the arrest of nine suspects, who were all sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for their role in the victim’s death. The accused are:
- Bongani Tebe - 25 years
- Mfusi Jonas - 31 years
- Thobile Swennu - 22 years
- Siyabonga Gandlela - 35 years
- Bandile Bomoyi - 20 years
- Mpendula Yekelo - 26 years
- Thembekosi Nkohla - 30 years
- Yonela Maseko -19 years
- Sindezama Mtsolonkgo - 30 years
We are pleased with the outcome of this case, which is indicative of our endeavours to root our crime in our communities.
Media enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut
Tel: 021 417 7423
Tel: 083 300 1752
E-mail: wcmedia@saps.org.za
Twitter: @SAPoliceService
