The Thembisa Magistrate’s Court handed down a firm sentence to Thabang Malebelela of the Dali Mpofu informal settlement, who was convicted of murder and attempted murder following a violent incident in September 2022.

Kempton Express reports that the case stems from an altercation on the evening of September 27, 2022, when Malebelela argued with two men, Vusumuzi Khumalo and Sibusiso Matsinge, over the reconnection of electricity during a power outage in the area.

Despite attempts by one of the victim’s girlfriends to intervene, Malebelela produced a knife and stabbed both men several times in their upper bodies.

The victims were rushed to Esangweni Clinic before being transferred to Tembisa Tertiary Hospital. Matsinge succumbed to his injuries, while Khumalo survived the attack.

Malebelela later handed himself over to the police at Ivory Park after learning that community members were threatening to assault him.

According to Sergeant Patricia Mgigima of Thembisa Rabasotho SAPS, the case was swiftly assigned to Warrant Officer Ponny Nyatlo, who ‘left no stone unturned’, ensuring justice for the victims’ families.

Magistrate Mahlangu sentenced Malebelela to 15 years’ imprisonment for murder and five years for attempted murder.

The five-year sentence will run concurrently with the murder sentence. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Station commander Brigadier Cyril Nkuna welcomed the outcome and praised Warrant Officer Nyatlo for his ‘patience, dedication, and compassion’ throughout the investigation. Nkuna also issued a stern warning against taking the law into one’s own hands.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.