Killer handed 12-year sentence, rapist gets 25 years behind bars
The dedication of police officers from Tonga and Schoemansdal ensured that a killer, his accomplice and a rapist will spend a considerable time behind bars.
TONGA – Two murderers and a rapist were recently sentenced in the local court.
Sandile Mhlanga (25) and Zwelethu Mohale (30) were found guilty of the murder of Nkosingphile Thobela.
The victim was stabbed to death at a tavern in Mdladla on December 31, 2016.
Police were notified and arrested the two men a few hours after the incident. They were found in possession of the murder weapon as well as dagga.
During the trial, the defence tried to argue that Mhlanga was not mentally stable when he committed the murder. However, evaluations at an Acornhoek mental institution and by a doctor in Ermelo proved that he was fit to stand trial.
Mhlanga was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for the murder. Mohale received a 10-year sentence for preventing people from helping Thobela after he was stabbed.
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According to Capt Magonseni Nkosi of Tonga SAPS, the hard work and dedication of Sgt Nomcebo Shungube ensured that the duo will serve time behind bars.
Last Wednesday, Lucky Mdluli (40) was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for the rape of a six-year-old girl in 2012.
The girl was asleep in her bedroom in Schoemansdal when Mdluli woke her up around 21:00 and raped her.
She alerted her parents and was able to identify Mdluli. He was arrested soon after the docket was opened.
READ: Man gets 19 years for girl’s rape
Schoemansdal station commander, Col John Madonsela, welcomed the sentence and said that it would send a clear message to rapists that they will be brought to justice.
READ: What you must do when you have been raped
