Brothers get life for killing a former cop

The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Delmas handed down a hefty sentence.

The sentence was imposed on Friday, December 3 on two brothers, Sipho Thabo Mahlangu, (25) and Sibusiso Cyril Mahlangu, (31) who were on trial for the kidnapping and murder of a former police officer, Mr Koos Thugwana.

The brothers tried to conceal their act by burring Mr Thugwana’s body in a shallow grave on November 09, 2017. They then fled the scene.

Mr Thugwana’s disappearance was reported to the police at Kwamhlanga.

“A thorough investigation was conducted which led to the two brothers,” Lieut-Gen Semakaleng Manamela, provincial commissioner of the Police in Mpumalanga, said in a media statement on December 5.

Sipho Mahlangu was arrested on November 17, 2017, while Sibusiso Mahlangu was apprehended on November 19, 2017.

Both the accused were arrested at Kwamhlanga.

With further investigation, the police made the gruesome discovery of the deceased’s body in the bushes at Sun City, Klipfontein near Kwamhlanga.

The siblings were then charged with kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.

They were convicted on November 19.

On a count of murder, both accused were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Each received another 10 years in jail for kidnapping.

The Mahlangu brothers were also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on a charge of defeating the ends of justice.

An additional five years was imposed upon each brother for a count of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“We applaud the team of investigators, the prosecution team, as well as judiciary which led to the incarceration of the two men with the anticipation that it will serve as deterrence to others who might consider emulating their actions.

“Hopefully the sentence will somehow bring closure to the family of the victim,” Lieut-Gen. Manamela, concluded.