ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
EASTERN CAPE: Four congregants of the controversial Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries cult who stormed the Ngcobo police station and killed five police officers in 2018 were sentenced to five life terms and an additional 155 years each by the Mthatha High Court yesterday. The sentencing of Andani Monco (36), Kwanele Ndlwana (28), Siphosomzi Tshefu and Phumzile Mhlatywa (51) comes after they were convicted of five counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, numerous counts of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, numerous counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and housebreaking with an intent to commit an offense in May this year. Their co-accused, Siphesihle Tatsi, was sentenced to effective 18 years' direct imprisonment, as some counts in his collective 241-year sentence run concurrently after pleading guilty on 27 July 2023. The congregants stormed the Engcobo police station on 21 February 2018 and attacked and killed five police officers and robbed them of their firearms. More firearms and ammunition were taken by the convicted men and they further attempted to bomb a bank ATM. On the day of their arrest, three other suspects were fatally shot by the police in an exchange of fire, while Monco, Ndlwana, Tshefu, Mhlatywa and Tatsi were arrested. The effective sentences for each accused will run concurrently with the five life sentences.
GAUTENG: A Pretoria lawyer was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crimes Unit in connection with a fraud case that was opened in 2019. According to the Hawks, Michael Senotse Mabunda (42) lodged claims with the Road Accident Fund on behalf of his clients. Over the years, the Road Accident Fund paid Mabunda over R10.5 million in his trust account; however, Mabunda allegedly never transferred the funds to his clients, resulting in significant financial losses. Mabunda made his first appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, and the case was postponed to 26 November 2024 for further proceedings. Hawks Head in Gauteng Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has welcomed the arrest. "This arrest serves as a critical reminder to all legal professionals about the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in handling client funds. Fraudulent activities will not be tolerated, and offenders will face the full might of the law," Kadwa said.
Lawyer Senotse Mabunda has been arrested for fraud
GAUTENG: The police in Gauteng have launched a manhunt for an uncle and nephew who disappeared after they were convicted of murder that took place at a party in Lenasia South in 2017. The duo, Denish Moodley and Ugresen Peruma were found guilty of the murder of Avinash Manjanu on 6 September 2019 and subsequently sentenced to twenty-five years imprisonment. The Johannesburg High Court then granted them leave to appeal the sentence. However, their appeal was dismissed, and the court ordered the two to hand themselves over to the authorities, where they would commence with their sentences. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said instead of handing themselves to the police, the two absconded and disappeared. "Police are appealing to anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of Dinesh Moodley and Ugresen Perumal, whose warrant of arrest has been issued, to please call Colonel Nelson Manganyi on 079 529 4642 or Sergeant Isaac Mokati on 072 326 9067," Masondo said.
Denish Moodley and Ugresen Peruma are wanted for murder
