BETHAL – A 21-year-old man from Swaziland, Thabiso Thembinkosi Mbuli Dlamini, was convicted in the Ermelo High Court of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
This came after a man was murdered in the Hong Kong Fashion shop on 5 June last year.
He threatened the deceased with a knife while demanding money and began to assault him.
He also stuffed a cloth into the man’s mouth while he was strangling him.
The deceased’s hands and feet were tied with a cable and cash was stolen from the till, as well as two cell phones.
Dlamini faced three charges that included murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on the count of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The investigating officer was Det Const December Jele.
“The police welcome the sentence,” said Constable Mahlatse Thomas Mogadime, communications officer at Bethal SAPS.
“This will send a clear message to criminals who wish to commit crime to think twice before they act, because crime does not pay.
“We will at all times prevent any act which may threaten the safety or security of any member of the community.
“Criminal conduct which endanger the safety or security of the community will be investigated and taken seriously,” said Const Mogadime.
To report any form of crime, contact Bethal SAPS at 017 647 9929/30 or 112 from a cell phone and ask the operator to put you through to Bethal SAPS.
