Tembisa Magistrate’s Court sentences Maimela to 87 years in prison
The conviction and sentencing of Maimela is a powerful message to would-be criminals that their actions will not go unpunished.
The Ekurhuleni district commissioner, Major General Anna Sithole, welcomed the recent conviction and sentencing of Lerato Maimela by the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court.
Maimela, who had terrorised the community around the Oakmoor train station with several armed robberies and attempted murders, was sentenced to 87 years imprisonment on October 2.
The Thembisa and Olifantsfontein communities can finally breathe a sigh of relief after being plagued by Maimela’s criminal activities since 2017.
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According to Captain Nelda Sekgobela, the SAPS Ekurhuleni district communications officer, it was during that year that they formed the Thembisa Tactical Response Team, with the specific task of apprehending the suspect.
Through their relentless efforts, they successfully arrested Maimela.
“Detective Sergeant Betina Bheki Manzini of the Olifantsfontein SAPS was assigned the docket for an attempted murder case registered in March 2017.
Through Manzini’s meticulous investigation, he connected the dots and linked Maimela to four other cases involving attempted murder and armed robberies.
Sithole commended the investigating officer and the Thembisa Tactical Response Team for their dedication to ensuring the safety and freedom of the citizens.
“Their efforts to squeeze the criminal space have allowed residents to walk freely without fear in the train station area,” said Sekgobela.
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The conviction and sentencing of Maimela is a powerful message to would-be criminals that their actions will not go unpunished.
Sithole emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community to curb crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
The residents of Thembisa and Olifantsfontein were encouraged to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.
As the Ekurhuleni district commissioner continues to prioritise the safety and security of the community, every effort will made to further strengthen the partnership between law enforcement agencies and the residents.
