Ratanda SAPS detectives secure murder convictions
Justice was served for the victims and their families.
The Ratanda SAPS detectives achieved two significant victories in the fight against crime by securing convictions.
In the first case, Detective Constable Bongane Israel Linga’s dedication led to the conviction of 47-year-old Philemon Zolile Mbangula.
The Heidelberg Regional Court sentenced Mbangula on March 7 to 10 years imprisonment for murdering his girlfriend on January 19, 2020.
Mbangula and his girlfriend were drinking when they began to argue. Then, they left in a vehicle and stopped on open land in Ratanda Ext 7.
The accused assaulted his girlfriend and then dropped her at her home. She was first taken to the Heidelberg Hospital for treatment but was later transferred to Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus. She died at the hospital from her injuries.
Mbangula was convicted of murder and using a vehicle without the owner’s permission.
In the second case, Detective Sergeant Wesley Claude Mogotsi secured a murder conviction by not leaving any stone unturned to get to the bottom of the case.
The Heidelberg Regional Court found Thembinkosi Meshack Mthunzi (38) guilty on March 4 for a murder on December 13, 2021. He received eight years imprisonment.
Mthunzi and a friend (44) were drinking when an argument over money broke out. Mthunzi stabbed the man once in the chest, and the victim died on his way home. Witnesses identified Mthunzi, and he was arrested.
According to Ratanda SAP communications officer Sergeant Moss Maluleke, the murders had severely affected the victims’ families.
“At least now they have closure,” said Maluleke.
