NELSPRUIT – The man known as the “Sanlam murderer” will now face a view through steel bars for the next 45 years, after shooting his ex-girlfriend execution style at her workplace. Sentence was passed in the Nelspruit Circuit of the North High Court on Friday August 2.
Judge Mmonoa Teffo sentenced Stephen Malumane (25) to 25 years’ imprisonment for murder, 10 for armed robbery, seven for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and three for illegal ammunition.
Malumane shot Ms Cynthia Mashego (35) at her workplace on the third floor of the Sanlam building in Nelspruit on March 22, 2012. They had been dating, but when she broke up with him and began to date another man, he started sending her threatening SMSes.
Teffo said on the morning of the incident, Malumane went to Magagula Attorneys where she worked and refused to leave the office until she had spoken to him.
According to her colleagues, she was terrified of him, but relented after they urged her to talk to him so that he would leave. He then dragged her into the corridor. Seconds later, shots were heard as well as Mashego’s screams. She later died of her wounds.
Malumane fled the scene by holding the owner of a blue Toyota Corolla,
Mr Vusimuzi Frans Mabuza at gunpoint, then forcing Mabuza to take him to his parents home in Chochocho. However, Malumane’s family called the police and he was apprehended.
According to the Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison,
Mr Vusi Shongwe, Malumane’s sentence sent a message that government was committed to ensuring the safety and protection of innocent citizens.
“We need to intensify our efforts as members of justice, crime and security departments to ensure that dangerous criminals who keep on abusing people through violence and killing, are removed from society to correctional services,” said Shongwe.
“Members of the public are requested to assist government by coming forward with vital information that could lead to arrests and the successful conviction of people like Malumane.”
