The first incident took place in January 2012. Two people confronted a security guard at the Tooronga Railway Station in Malvern.
They shot the guard several times and took his service firearm. They also took money from a ticket examiner before they fled. The security guard died at the scene. The police officers investigated the case and traced one of the suspects to the Denver Informal Settlement.
Sandile Mkize (26) was found in the settlement by police officers in February 2012, in possession of the firearm used in the security guard’s murder. However, he managed to evaded arrest. The firearm was seized. Another man, Madoda Cebekhulu, was arrested on the same day. He was found in possession of the security guard’s firearm.
In July 2012, Mr Xolani Vilakazi (24) was dragged out of his shack in the Denver Informal Settlement by Mkize, Ncebo Moses Maphumulo (21) and Thokozani Mbata (21). He was shot and killed in full view of the other residents.
Mkize was arrested by the Meadowlands SAPS for the possession of an unlicensed firearm in July 2012.
The Cleveland SAPS questioned him and he was linked to both murders. Witnesses and informants gave the Cleveland SAPS detectives information about the whereabouts of Mbata and Maphumulo.
Mbata was arrested in August 2012 in Denver, and Maphumulo was arrested in October in the Mai Mai Hostel in City and Suburban. Maphumulo was linked to the security guard’s murder as well.
Mkize and Maphumulo were handed to two life sentences each, for murder. They were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each for attempted murder. They were also sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for robbery with aggravating circumstances and nine years each for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Mbata was handed a life sentence for murder, 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder and three years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Madoda was sentenced to two years imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Cleveland SAPS station management commended detectives Constable Risimati Maluleke and Warrant Officer Patrick Raletsemo for their successful investigations.
Captain Sikhumbuzo Basi, head of the serious and violent crimes section at Cleveland SAPS said, “They did a great job and we are proud of their achievement.”
