Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha has welcomed the sentencing of five men convicted of the murder of a Limpopo mayor. Shumani Nemadodzi (48), Avhatakali Isaac Mudau (39), Wiseman Baloyi (37), Tshianeo Munyai (32) and Pfunzo Lidzebe (33) were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Limpopo High Court, in Polokwane on Thursday.
SENTENCE WELCOMED
Mayor of Collins Chabane Local Municipality Maluleke (56) was shot dead at his home in Xikundu village on 21 July 2022. His son then 18-year-old son Ntokoto was also shot and injured during the attack. Mathabatha said the verdict marks a significant moment in the justice system. "The sentence demonstrating our government's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of violent crimes and their families," Mathabatha said. He added that the loss of Maluleke was not only a tragedy for his family but also a profound loss for the community and the province which he served with dedication and compassion. "His untimely death is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in combating crime and violence in our society. The bravery and resilience of his family, especially in the face of such adversity, have been a beacon of hope and strength for us all. The verdict sends a clear message that criminal acts will not be tolerated," he added.
LIFE IMPRISONMENT
The five accused were convicted and sentenced on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. According to NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the court accepted the evidence of a key witness who took part in the crime but turned state witness. "The court found that the state has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused at all times were acting in the furtherance of a common purpose and that the offences committed by the accused were planned," Dzhangi said. She added that during sentencing, senior state Advocate Eric Mabapa, called Rhangeleni Mambre Maluleke who is Maluleke's widow. "She told the court that as a result of the incident, their doors and gates are always locked, fearing for their lives. The deceased was a generous person who would assist anyone who was in need in the community. She is struggling to manage the family household and her son Ntokoto is not well because of the bullet lodged under his kidney. She pleaded with the court to impose life imprisonment on all the accused. The accused were all sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years for attempted murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 5 years each for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The sentence will run concurrently.
