The Limpopo High Court sitting in Thohoyandou sentenced Masingita Gloria Chabane Mashao (45), a former Malamulele Traffic officer to life imprisonment after he was convicted of murder, robbery, two counts of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
The court heard that on 01 October 2015, the accused and her co-accused fetched the deceased, Hlulani Reason Chauke together with her one-month-old son from her home at Xikundu village to Malamulele Home Affairs offices on the pretext that the accused would assist her to obtain a birth certificate for her son. Contrary to the arrangement, both accused drove to a secluded spot at the Luvuvhu river.
Upon their arrival they killed the deceased and concealed her body which to date is still missing. The co-accused pleaded guilty on murder on 03 May 2017 and was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. The accused then took the infant and kept him for herself until she was arrested. Meanwhile, in July 2015 the accused pretending to be pregnant, consulted a medical practitioner to recommend her maternity leave for a period of three months. She then presented the certificate to her employer who granted her leave with pay.
The accused pleaded not guilty and the court found her guilty as charged. During sentencing, the State Prosecutor, Advocate Absah Madzhuta led the evidence of Gezani Mahlahule who stated that the family has no closure in this matter since the deceased’s remains were never found. Advocate Madzhuta also submitted pre-sentence report through the clinical psychologist wherein the accused was diagnosed with Anti-Social Personality Disorder. The state concluded by arguing that this type of case is likely to be the first of its kind in Limpopo province.
He pleaded with the court that the accused should be sentenced to life imprisonment. The court agreed with the submissions made by the state and sentenced her to life imprisonment plus 31 years imprisonment. The NPA welcomes the sentence and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga commended the prosecution and investigation team for their sterling work.
Enquiries:
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
Regional Spokesperson- Limpopo
Cell: 074 823 3603
E-mail: mmalabi@npa.gov.za
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