Two criminals from Marite in Bushbuckridge receive hefty sentences
Joseph Joeman Ndlovu was sentenced to three life terms and an additional 45 years imprisonment. Bonginkosi Shakoane was sentenced to four life terms and 60 years imprisonment.
The Mpumalanga division of the High Court has today sentenced Joseph Joeman Ndlovu (42) and Bonginkosi Shakoane (24) from Marite in Bushbuckridge, to multiple life terms for violent crimes committed in Marite in two separate incidents.
According to the provincial spokesperson for National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, the sentencing comes after the pair was convicted on four counts of murder, obstructing the administration of justice, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
The court further declared the accused unfit to possess firearms in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
“In one incident. which happened on April 18, 2021, Ndlovu and Shakoane were in a vehicle driven by Angel Magagula. Along the way, they drove past Mondi Mandlas and Thabo Dibakoane. The driver, Magagula greeted the victims, which angered Ndlovu, who then indicated that he hated them because one of them once greeted him in front of the police. Shortly after that, the accused went back to look for the victims.
They found them busy fixing their vehicle tyre. The accused alighted from the vehicle they were travelling in and pretended as if they wanted to help, then fatally shot them. Furthermore, they shot and killed another victim, Sinky Mokoena, who resided in the vicinity and heard the gunshots from her house and went to investigate. They then burned the deceased’s vehicle and drove away,” said Nyuswa.
She added that on August 21, 2021, the accused armed themselves with unlicensed firearms and went to Bhengazi Tavern in Marite Trust. They fatally shot Nkosinathi Thabang Mokoena in full view of other patrons.
The matter was reported to the police and the accused were identified and arrested.
In court they pleaded not guilty and Senior State Advocate Deen Govender led evidence of eyewitnesses.
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The statement of an eyewitness, who was killed before he could testifiy, was handed in in terms of the Hearsay Act.
The evidence was supported by expert witnesses from the forensic science laboratory regarding the cartridge casings found at the crime scenes.
The court found the accused guilty as charged.
Advocate Zwelethu Mata took the matter to finality and in addressing the court, he requested the court not to deviate from the minimum sentence. He further argued that the accused should be removed from society as they terrorised the community of Marite.
Acting Judge Theron took into consideration all relevant factors placed before the court and sentenced Ndlovu to three life terms and additional 45 years imprisonment.
Shakoane was sentenced to four life terms and 60 years imprisonment.
