Bronkhorstspruit Police commander applauds members for quality investigation

A thorough investigation by the Bronkhorstspruit Police ensured four people were convicted for attempted murder and another was sentenced to jail for 12 months.

This is the outcome of a crime that happened more than five years ago.

A police constable was driving from Zithobeni on the night of January 5, 2015, when he noticed a vehicle signing from the back for him to stop.

He discover that two Metro Police officers were shot; one in the thigh and the other in the stomach.

At the time of the crime, the suspects were unknown.

A docket for attempted murder was opened and assigned to Det-Sgt Pumlani Kube, who worked very hard to ace this investigation.

With the assistance of the community, the detective managed to arrest the suspects.

One of them had been shot in another incident and a community member contacted the police about a suspicious wounded man.

The two victims from the Metro Police identified the suspects during an identification parade and they [the suspects] were then linked to the crime.

The four suspects appeared in Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday, July 22 where they were convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping and attempted murder.

Polous Ngomane (30) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, James Sibanyoni (32) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, and Patrick Mdau (35) and Lebogang Motau (30) were both sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

“These successes achieved in court are the results of a quality investigation led by our detectives, under the command of Lieut-Col Matthys Strydom,” said Col Maqwawe Dhladla, station commander at the Bronkhorstspruit Police.

“Our members are determined to fight the scourge of serious crimes while ensuring that justice prevails.”

“With this sentence, a strong message will be conveyed to people who are involved in killings in our community,” Dhladla continued.

In yet another case, a 23-year-old illegal immigrant was arrested in March.

A police officer was on duty patrolling Bronkhorstspruit town when he spotted the suspect in Short Street in Bronkhorstspruit.

When the officer asked, the suspect could not produce legal identification and he was arrested.

The docket was then assigned to Det-Const Nokwethemba Makeleni, who through investigation, ensured that the accused was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for illegally entering, remaining in or departing from the Republic of South Africa.

On the note of positive arrests and convictions, Strydom said the public must always keep in mind that they are not allowed to publish a picture identifying an alleged suspect on social media before this person had appeared before a court of law.

“The same applies to pictures of anybody who might be a witness in a criminal case. The South African Police Service Act strictly forbids this.”

According to Strydom, pictures can be taken to be used as evidence, but the sharing thereof is forbidden.

“Sharing of pictures may result in a hefty fine, 12 months imprisonment or a massive civil claim.”

Strydom continued by commending the detectives for a thorough and successful investigation, which in turn led to convictions.