LIMPOPO – A security company owner from Khubvi village has been sentenced to 45 years in prison following the fatal assault of an suspected thief at a hardware business premises on February 25, 2022.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Stephen Thakeng, the incident occurred at around 19:00, when two security guards caught a man attempting to steal from the premises. The suspect was restrained with ropes around his hands and feet, and the employer was summoned to the scene.

Upon arrival, Nyambeni Makhipa (43), owner of the security company, assaulted the suspect using a wooden object and pepper spray.

The assault reportedly lasted about an hour before Makhipa ordered one of his employees to accompany him to the Thohoyandou Police Station to hand the suspect over.

On March 1, 2022, the body of identified as Abraham Mulovhedzi, was discovered floating in the Vombe River near Mahuvha village.

A murder case was opened, and the provincial investigations unit, led by detective Warrant Officer Matamela, took over the investigation.

Makhipa and his two employees were arrested shortly after. Charges against the two security guards were later withdrawn. In a landmark judgment, the Thohoyandou High Court found Makhipa guilty and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder; 10 years for robbery, 10 years for kidnapping and five years for defeating the ends of justice.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence, praising the investigative work that led to the conviction.

“I would like to appreciate the thorough investigation conducted, which led to this heavy sentence against the security company owner. This should serve as a clear message: Never take the law into your own hands – always hand over suspects to the police,” she said.