The Gauteng Division of the High Court last week handed life sentences to Bongani Thabani Ndlovu, 35, and Jabulani Meli Dlamini, 41, for the murder of Ockert Ralph on a plot in Lanseria two years ago.
They also received a 20-year sentence each for unlawful possession of a firearm, and 15 years each for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The men’s sentences will run concurrently.
Phindi Mjonondwane, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, said they welcomed the sentence.
“Prosecutor, Senior State Advocate Faghre Mohammad led evidence of witnesses detailing how Ralph’s vehicle was trailed by the accused after withdrawing cash from an ABSA branch in Fourways Mall,” Mjonondwane said in a statement.
It further stated that when the deceased arrived home he was attacked by Ndlovu and Dlamini while waiting for the gate to open. The two men knocked on the driver’s window and then fired shots, fatally wounding Ralph. The men took the cash and Ralph’s personal belongings, including his bank card. They made purchases with the bank card after Ralph’s death.
The autopsy report showed that Ralph died of a gunshot wound to his chest.
“On 24 May 2018 Warrant Officer Abie Montwedi traced the vehicle of both accused in Marshalltown, where they fled on foot after realising that police were on their trail, leaving behind their firearms and the vehicle they used when they committed the offence. They were apprehended later,” read the statement.
In court, Mohammad argued that the crime was well-orchestrated and that no substantial or compelling circumstances were presented to warrant the deviation from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment for robbery resulting in loss of life.
“He further argued that forceful and violent crimes were prevalent, and that our courts should impose sentences indicative of a justice system that frowns upon such brutal and senseless killing of innocent citizens. Judge Seun Moshidi remarked that the gravity of the offence and interest of society outweighed the personal circumstances of the accused, hence he imposed a custodial sentence of life imprisonment.”
