Newcastle residents implicated in double murder

With heavy hearts, a community mourns the loss of revered locals, Venktas Govender and Piet Maré.

Mr Govender, a well-known taxi driver, was reportedly beaten to death earlier this month. His body was found near the entrance to the Emafusini township.

Mr Maré, a highly regarded businessman, was stabbed several times shortly after locking up shop just two days later. Despite putting up a fight, he later succumbed to his injuries at MediClinic Newcastle.

Investigations would later reveal the motive behind the heinous crimes was worldly items not worthy of murder in cold blood.

Five men recently appeared before the Dannhauser Magistrate’s Court facing charges ranging from murder to carjacking.

The suspects, Sabelo Bongani Kubheka, Sipho Hlatshwayo, Mondli Brian Gamede, Allen Sandiso Mabaso and Bonginkosi Sithebe, are between the ages of 20 and 41. Police are in the process of tracking down the sixth suspect.

Two suspects, believed to be from the Madadeni/oSizweni area, were apprehended while allegedly en route to commit another crime. While under interrogation, the suspects blew the whistle on their accomplices, resulting in the arrest of a further two suspects believed to be residing in Madadeni. The fifth suspect was nabbed shortly thereafter.

Upon making their first appearance in court, two of the suspects confessed and pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

According to police, items stolen by the suspects during various burglaries and robberies were later recovered at their respective residences.

“The investigation is still continuing to link them with other cases,” said Dannhauser SAPS spokesperson, Constable Mfanafuthi Nyembe.

The case has since been postponed until October 1, where further bail applications will be heard.

Amid the mayhem in the courtroom, rumours of vigilante justice remain rife.

With infernal acrimony evident in their voices, the community called for the suspects to serve the maximum sentence.

The Newcastle Advertiser wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family of the victims.

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