Sanele Nyaqela (28) was sentenced to 15 years behind bars by the Gauteng Regional Court for stabbing Themba Zulu (57) who tried to stop him from assaulting his daughter.

Captain Solomon Sibiya from the Kagiso police says Nyaqela had an argument with his girlfriend who was in the company of Zulu’s daughter. She intervened in the argument and tried to stop Nyaqela who then turned on her.

Zulu was informed that his daughter was being assaulted and he rushed to the scene where he tried to stop Nyaqela.

“The accused pulled out a jungle knife and stabbed Zulu in the before fleeing the scene,” Captain Sibiya explains.

Zulu was rushed to a local hospital in a critical condition and was admitted to ICU where he died a few days later.

Nyaqela was on the run since the incident and was finally arrested with three accomplices while he was driving a vehicle without a number plate in central Kagiso. While searching their vehicle police found ammunition.

Sergeant Livhuwani Maleba was the investigating officer in the murder case and had spent many sleepless nights in search of the suspect. He was also the first to hear about the arrest of the four suspects and positively identified Nyaqela as the prime suspect in his case.

On Wednesday, July 13, Nyaqela was found guilty of the murder and sentenced. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The investigating officer has shown great potential, ability and determination to put the accused where he belongs. The relationship with and loyalty of members of the community have played a vital role in the accused’s successful conviction,” says Brigadier Themba Maduna, the Kagiso Police station commander.