POLOKWANE – A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of a 40-year-old man in Josefa Village under the Saselamani policing area.

Siphiwe Hlungwani was sentenced by the Thohoyandou High Court on Monday (August 24) after being convicted of the murder of Jabulani Kabide.

The conviction relates to an incident that occurred in February 2023.

What led to the murder

The court heard that the events leading to the murder began after Hlungwani allegedly stole a cellphone belonging to one of Kabide’s relatives.

The cellphone owner went to Hlungwani’s family home to report the matter to his mother, after which the accused allegedly became aggressive and threatened the complainant.

Kabide, who was the complainant’s cousin, arrived at the scene and became involved in an argument with Hlungwani, which later escalated into a confrontation.

Mother warned complainant to hide

The court heard that Hlungwani’s mother later warned the complainant to hide, saying her son had left home armed with a knife and intended to attack her. The complainant locked herself inside her house.

Hlungwani allegedly went to the property looking for the complainant but did not find her. He then encountered Kabide at the gate and stabbed him.

Kabide attempted to flee but collapsed in the yard. Emergency services and police were called to the scene, where he was declared dead.

Investigation and arrest

A murder case was opened and assigned to Detective Sergeant Xikombiso Samora Baloyi of the Saselamani Detectives.

Police said Baloyi traced and arrested the suspect two days after the murder and successfully opposed his bail application, resulting in him remaining in custody until the conclusion of the case.