Inroads continued to be made in addressing violence against women and children following another heavy sentence imposed to Mzwandile Mbabela (22) Abongile Khulu (29) and John Itumeleng (32) of age. The three accused were found guilty and sentenced to two life terms and 20 years respectively by the Palm Ridge High Court in Katlehong for the murder, rape house-breaking and assault of a 57-year-old Westonarea woman and her 87 year-old mother who later died in hospital.
On September 15, 2012 the three broke into the deceased’s house after months of conspiring to rob the house. Before the attack the accused threw the house-breaking tools into the yard of the deceased and proceeded with their trip to a tavern at a neighbouring area. According to the testimony heard by the Palm Ridge High Court, the accused went back in the middle of the night and broke into the house, the accused who were armed with a brick assaulted both women while the other was ransacked the house.
During the robbery the accused found the car keys, but because none of the three had the ability to drive they went back to the tavern where they found Thabiso Hlasa (27) and asked him if he can drive. Thabiso who was later turned into a state witness was found guilty of theft of motor vehicle and his sentenced suspended to 5 years. He drove the vehicle as requested by the accused to Poortjie in Orange Farm where they looked for a buyer of the stolen cellphones and vehicle.
They approached a man called “Bra Oupa” and made an offer of R15, 000 which he refused after realising that the vehicle did not have relevant documents and was still new. They went back and stripped the wheels and sold to the same man for R2000, but he gave them R1500 which they shared among themselves. Within 21 hours all suspects were arrested with all stolen goods recovered by the Westonaria detectives’ team.
During the passing of sentence, Acting Palm Ridge Judge, Brian Nemavhidi explained that the three suspects premeditated their plan carefully and identified the tenants of the house. “You knew the vulnerability of the deceased when you overpowered the defenceless women, but you continued to commit some of the serious crimes against them. The fact that they were old with one of them using a walking stick to move around, that should have rang in your minds that you have all the power to take everything that you wanted to steal without raping and causing the death of another. They were helpless. Why the violence against defenceless women and what made matters worse during the court proceedings you failed to acknowledge and show remorse. Although DNA reports supported by other 19 witnesses came forward, you continued to refuse and pleaded not guilty”, explain Acting Judge Brian Nemavhidi.
Constable Simon Rakoba explained that although the sentencing of the three will not bring the deceased back, the sentence brings about closure and comfort to the family and friends that justice has finally been served. “We therefore believe that this development should be welcomed by all as it would assist in restoring the community’s faith in the work of the police and Criminal Justice Cluster as a whole,” said Constable Simon Rakoba who investigated the case with Warrant Officer Alpheus Mohlala.
The heavy sentence continue to send out messages that government is committed to combat crime thereby creating conditions of peace and security for people. The assistance of the community in combating crime to secure thorough, diligent and proper investigation is important.