Robber-rapist turns state witness

A triple threat to society; three men set out to target vulnerable oSizweni residents earlier this year.

Little did they know they would leave behind evidence that would eventually seal their fate in court just four months later.

Thando Mthombeni, Sipho Mthombeni and Musa Lahlane embarked on a crime spree in Section B on April 7 at midnight.

They broke into a home, carefully not to alert the occupants.

They wasted no time, roughing up one of the inhabitants for his money and cellphones.

Shifting their focus to his girlfriend, the suspects stripped the her of her innocence.

Once the deed was done, they took her cellphones and locked her and her partner up inside the home.

SAPS spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela said the suspects fled the scene with the man’s clothing in hand.

“The case was reported and handed over to Constable Masikane from Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. He attended the crime scene using his crime scene management skills.”

According to police, Const. Masikane noticed a thumbprint on one of the packages containing the cellphones. The evidence was collected and sent off to be analysed at Newcastle’s Local Criminal Record Centre.

The results came back positive; the print belonged to Mthombei, who was residing in Blaauwbosch at the time.

Const. Masikane’s investigation revealed Mthombei had been arrested after being implicated in another crime.

“Upon questioning him, it appeared he was involved in this case,” said Capt. Magudulela.

With the assistance of his informants, Const. Masikane managed to track down and arrest the other two suspects. Fortunately for the State, both suspects were linked to the case by damning DNA evidence.

When his day in court finally rolled around, Lahlane opted to take responsibility for his actions, owning up to his role in the violent crime. He was sentenced to 27 years behind bars.

Lahlane has since turned state witness and is certain his testimony will help facilitate the conviction of his co-accused.

“Both victims were very pleased with the sentence and thanked Const. Masikane with his efforts. Prosecutor, Marion Willis Smith also thanked Const. Masikane for his dedication to his work,” concluded Captain Magudulela.

The community commended police on ensuring the suspect was brought to the book, and wished the State well in its efforts to convict the remaining suspects.