Murderer sentenced to life imprisonment
A case of murder and robbery was opened, which soon gave rise to a full-scale manhunt.
Three years have passed since the merciless murder of Normandien resident, Somane Tabete, and finally, justice has been served.
On January 17, 2013, Somane was home alone when 46-year-old, Be Khulu, made his way onto the property, intent on robbing him.
Khulu attacked the 68-year-old with a ‘hard object’, delivering a brutal blow to his chest. Before fleeing the scene, he reportedly stole several items of clothing.
“The deceased’s son came home late at about 6pm and found his father already dead,” said Dannhauser SAPS spokesperson, Sergent Mfanafuthi Nyembe.
Police were contacted, and arrived on the scene to conduct preliminary investigations. A case of murder and robbery was opened, which soon gave rise to a full-scale manhunt.
Realising the investigating officers were hot on his heels, he left his home in the Bhodlindlala area to seek refuge elsewhere.
When police arrived at Khulu’s residence, they found his girlfriend home alone.
Upon conducting an extensive search of the premises, officers recovered evidence linking the suspect to the senseless crime.
“The police found the deceased’s outfits in the accused’s room, and it was positively identified by the deceased’s family members.”
With the assistance of the community, police managed to locate and arrest Khulu.
“The accused appeared before the magistrate at [the] Newcastle Regional Court, where he was found guilty and convicted of one life sentence for murder and 15 years for robbery. The sentences will run concurrently,” concluded Sgt Nyembe.
The investigating officers were commended for working around the clock to ensure Khulu was brought to book. In addition, the community was praised for its role in the manhunt for retribution.
