ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
NORTH WEST: A 64-year-old Maseiso Kokama and hitmen Monokwa Malewu (26) and Moeketsi Lesuhlo (47) have been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and attempted murder by the High Court of South Africa, sitting in the Klerksdorp Regional Court yesterday. The court heard that Kokama, driven by jealousy and anger, ordered a hit on her ex-lover Dingaan Dlamini's new girlfriend Nonzame Hondwana after she learnt of their relationship shortly after she broke up with Dlamini.
On 1 April 2022, while Hondwana and Dlamini were having dinner at home, there was a knock at the door and when Dlamini opened, Malewu told him he was there to see Hondwana, then shot her multiple times, killing her instantly. Dlamini was also shot and injured in the attack.
The court heard that the murder was premeditated and that Kokama had paid R20 000 to have the hit carried out. Malewu and Kokama were arrested on 8 April 2022 and have been in custody since. Malewu voluntarily confessed to his involvement in the crime. Lesuhlo was apprehended in February last year.
GAUTENG: An intelligence-driven operation by the SAPS Vala Umgodi team in Rietvallei, Kagiso, led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 27 and 49, on Sunday. The suspects were charged with being involved in illegal mining activities, endangering community safety and security. Mining equipment, including generators, phendukas, iron balls, chains, motors, spades, extension cords, stumper pots, stumper rods, a replica gun and ammunition, were seized during the operation. The suspects will appear in court soon.
EASTERN CAPE: The Eastern Cape High Court has sentenced Lloyd King (29) and Thandobuhle Mndleleni (20), each to life imprisonment for the gang rape of a 25-year-old pregnant e-hailing driver in March 2021. The incident occurred shortly after midnight when the victim responded to a request to pick up two passengers. Upon arrival at the pick-up location, the driver found the two accused and transported them to King's residence in Amalinda, East London.
They forced her inside and once inside the house, both men took turns raping her. They later released her and she reported the attack to the police, who arrested the suspects the same night. During the trial, the duo pleaded not guilty, claiming that she had consented to the rape. However, state advocate Sibusiso Mgenge presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony, in which she detailed the impact the assault had on her life. The victim also lost her unborn child three weeks after the ordeal. The court ordered that the accused be registered in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
