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Parolee sentenced to 35 years of imprisonment after second attempt at murder

On 16 May 2019 the Belfast Regional Court has found Philemon Makua (49), guilty of armed robbery and two counts of attempted murder.

May 21, 2019

Press Release 1 minute read

Image: Archive - For illustration purposes only.

It is alleged that on Sunday 31st July 2016, Makua who was then on parole, was assisted by a married couple to collect and transport his goods somewhere in Belfast with their doublecab Isuzu bakkie.

While in transit, the accused who was seated in the backseat of the double cap touched Mr Mlotha on the shoulder and told him to stop. Mr Mlotha stopped his vehicle when the accused proceeded to shoot him in his left ear.

Makua then instructed Mrs Mlotha to unlock the doors as he tried to pull Mr Mlotha from the driver’s seat. After the accused instructed Mrs Mlotha to get out of the vehicle, she rushed to her husband’s aid where he shot her in the jaw. He then proceeded to flee with their vehicle, leaving their unconscious bodies on the side of the road.

The victims were assisted by a passing truck driver who contacted the Police and both were transported to hospital.
Fortunately, the couple survived and were able to give a statement to the Police that led to Makua’s arrest.

The suspect was sentence to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery, 15 years imprisonment for one count of attempted murder and 10 years for the other count of attempted murder.

During the occurrance of the offence, the accused was on parole serving a sentence on a murder charge of which he was convicted in 2006. He will proceed with his sentence which is 35 years imprisonment.