Latest news with #Malabi-Dzhangi
The Citizen
11-08-2025
- The Citizen
Limpopo killer cop jailed for murder of colleague
The 68-year-old former police officer's colleague succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The High Court in Polokwane, Limpopo, has sentenced a former police officer to 36 years' imprisonment for turning the gun on his colleague and wounding a suspect in custody. Former warrant officer Olson Mnisi, 68, of Namakgale was handed down 16 years for two counts of attempted murder and 20 years for murder. Cop shoots colleague suspect The sentence comes after Mnisi opened fire on his colleague, Colonel Lesiba Matsetela, and an armed robbery suspect the two colleagues were tasked with arresting on 16 September 2018. According to the National Prosecutiing Authority (NPA) the officers had been executing the arrest at a tavern in Mashishimale Village, Namakgale. 'Upon arrival at a tavern where the suspect was located, one of the officers engaged the suspect in conversation, after which the suspect was arrested,' NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said in a statement on Monday. Malabi-Dzhangi said Mnisi opened fire on Matsetela and the suspect without provocation. He continued firing despite Matsetala's warning to stop, saying they were colleagues. ALSO READ: Former Northern Cape cop jailed for housebreaking Both the colonel and the suspect sustained injuries; however, Matsetela later died in hospital. Court find Mnisi guilty despite plea Mnisi was subsequently arrested and pleaded not guilty to the charges. 'In aggravation of sentence, state Advocate Patrick Magoda argued that the offence was particularly serious as it involved the betrayal of a fellow officer,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. 'He highlighted that the deceased's family had lost a father and breadwinner, and that Mnisi's actions undermined the trust and duty of care expected among law enforcement officials.' Magoda urged the court to impose a sentence that would serve as a deterrent, particularly for public servants who abuse their positions. In addition to the 36-year sentence, the court declared Mnisi unfit to possess firearms. Limpopo's Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, said the sentence sent a clear message to public officials that violations of the laws and codes governing their conduct will not go unpunished. NOW READ: Cop and prosecutor get bail in R1.6 million extortion case
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- The Citizen
Limpopo groom sentenced to life for raping little girl on wedding day
The groom entered the room where the little girl was sleeping and raped her. A 45-year-old man who raped a nine-year-old girl on his wedding day has been sentenced to life in jail. The groom appeared in the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo on Tuesday, where the sentence was handed down. To protect the victim's identity, the child's name is withheld. 'Lack of remorse throughout the trial' During the trial, state Advocate Shirley Mawasha presented compelling evidence, including a J88 medical report, DNA evidence, and testimony from the young girl's uncle. The uncle confirmed that the accused admitted to sexually assaulting a child on his wedding day and expressed remorse to him. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said in aggravation, the prosecution argued that the groom betrayed the family's trust, exploiting his role as a protector. Malabi-Dzhangi said the groom pleaded not guilty to the charges. 'His actions turned a day meant for celebration into a horror, damaging the relationship between the two families irreparably due to his greed. 'The state highlighted his arrogance and lack of remorse throughout the trial. 'The judge condemned the accused's actions, noting that as a newlywed, he should have shared his first night with his bride, not committed an act 'fit for movies, not real life,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. ALSO READ: Man masquerading as pastor sentenced to life for raping at least 10 children in KZN Life imprisonment sentence Malabi-Dzhangi added that the groom knowingly took the child, left her on the floor, and fled, showing a ruthless lack of conscience. 'Despite DNA evidence, his arrogance persisted, and the trial left the minor and her family, who had supported him, in misery.' 'Aligning with the prosecution, the court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment, stressing the need to protect society, vulnerable groups, and deter similar offenders. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm, added to the National Register of Sexual Offenders, and deemed unsuitable to work with children,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Wedding day rape According to the NPA, the incident occurred on 24 December 2023 during a wedding ceremony in Dennilton, in Limpopo, where the accused was the groom. The little girl, her mother, younger sibling, and two aunts — part of the bride's family — were offered a room to sleep at the bride's residence. 'In the early hours, the groom entered the room where the little girl was sleeping, carried her to an unoccupied bedroom, and raped her,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. 'The victim's screams for help prompted the accused to flee. Her mother found her naked and immediately reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest.' The NPA welcomed the sentence, reaffirming its 'commitment to justice for victims of gender-based violence and the safety of communities'. ALSO READ: 'Filthiest perpetrator' handed life in jail for raping 91-year-old woman
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- The Citizen
‘Filthiest perpetrator' handed life in jail for raping 91-year-old woman
He managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and raped her. A man who raped a 91-year-old woman in Limpopo has been described as 'one of the filthiest perpetrators' after being sentenced to life in prison for the heinous crime. Musa Walter Chabalala of Tshisaulu village appeared in the Thohoyandou High Court sitting at the Waterval Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where sentence was handed down. Sentence The court sentenced Chabalala to multiple terms of direct imprisonment, including life in prison for rape, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence. ALSO READ: Zimbabwean national sentenced to 50 years in jail for kidnapping The sentencing follows the court's finding that Chabalala was guilty of a heinous attack on the 91-year-old woman in her home on 21 August 2020 in Tshisaulu village. Rape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the court heard how Chabalala forcefully gained entry into the victim's home by opening a window and breaking the door to her bedroom. 'Armed with a knife, he threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide under a blanket, and demanded money. 'He managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and raped her multiple times before fleeing the scene,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Arrest Malabi-Dzhangi said the traumatised elderly woman immediately reported the incident, and a thorough police investigation, led by police, later linked the accused through forensic evidence. 'Despite pleading not guilty, the state, represented by Advocate Steven Muavha, presented compelling evidence that proved Chabalala's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 'In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution argued that rape has reached pandemic levels in the Vhembe district, and harsher sentences are necessary to protect vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. 'Filthiest perpetrators Malabi-Dzhangi said the court also heard Chabalala is a repeat offender, undeterred by previous convictions. 'In delivering his judgment, Judge Thogomelani Caution Tshidada described the accused as 'one of the filthiest perpetrators who does not deserve to live in our communities.' 'The judge lamented that the victim was old enough to be the accused's grandmother and should have been treated with dignity and respect. He noted the accused's lack of remorse and found no mitigating factors to justify leniency,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Sentenced welcomed The NPA has welcomed the sentence, saying it trusts it will serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence and commitment to justice. 'This sentence reinforces our resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society and ensure that justice prevails,' said Advocate Thenga. ALSO READ: Man accused of murdering KZN municipal manager found guilty
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- The Citizen
Farm attack gang sentenced to life for Limpopo farmers murder
Prosecutors described the crime as 'premeditated executed with extreme violence'. Three men have been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of a 35-year-old farmer, Nicolaas 'Nicci' Janse van Rensburg, in Limpopo. Malesela Albert Mangena (35), Velly Segwale (35), and Lesiba Solly Segwale (45) appeared in the Polokwane High Court on Monday, where the sentence was handed down. The trio was also handed a combined additional 42 years' imprisonment for multiple related offences. Conviction The sentence for the farmer's murder comes after their conviction on 11 June in what prosecutors described as a 'premeditated crime executed with extreme violence'. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the three men were found guilty on several charges, including conspiracy to commit robbery, murder, robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and unlicensed ammunition. ALSO READ: Trio convicted for brutal farm attack in Eastern Cape 'The court ordered that the sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence for murder. Therefore, the effective sentence is life imprisonment. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess firearms under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.' Trial Malabi-Dzhangi said during the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty to all charges. 'The court heard that on 07 October 2022, the trio conspired to commit a robbery at Derdekraal Farm. Upon arrival, they entered the house and held a 15-year-old boy at gunpoint, demanding money and the safe keys. They handcuffed the boy and began looting valuable items. 'When the farm owner, Nicolaas Johannes Janse van Rensburg, and his partner arrived, the accused ordered them to sit down. An altercation ensued, during which Van Rensburg was shot and killed. The accused fled the scene but were later arrested following a thorough police investigation and remained in custody until the finalisation of their trial,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Farm murders In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Advocate Norman Makhubele called two key witnesses. Kobus de Lange, representing South African commercial farmers, testified about the critical role farmers play in ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to the national economy. De Lange testified about the alarming rise in violent attacks on farmers. The farmer's sister, Taleza van Rensburg, provided emotional testimony on the devastating impact of the murder on the family and farmworkers. Taleza said livestock had to be sold due to safety concerns, resulting in job losses and ultimately the farm's closure. Previous convictions Malabi-Dzhangi said the accused had previous convictions for robbery and showed no remorse. 'The court agreed with the state's submission that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.' Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence. 'The NPA remains committed to delivering justice for victims of violent crimes, especially those murdered in cold blood for their belongings. I commend Advocate Makhubele and all the stakeholders involved in securing this conviction and sentence,' Thenga said. ALSO READ: Four arrested for Free State farm murder, kidnapped wife rescued
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- The Citizen
Daughter pleads guilty to brutal murder father in Limpopo
A traditional healer alleged that her father was responsible for her mother's death through the use of 'muthi'. With Father's Day just a few days away, a 28-year-old woman has been convicted after pleading guilty to the brutal murder of her father, a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education. Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape appeared in the Polokwane High Court on Wednesday, where she was found guilty of murdering her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape The incident occurred at Malekutu's home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane, on 28 December 2023. Conviction National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said Mologadi was convicted on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. 'The court sentenced her to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years' imprisonment for robbery, with the sentences to run concurrently.' Malabi-Dzhangi said that four other accused, 34-year-olds Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto, Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane, Mahlodi Melida Mathole, and 42-year-old Michael Sello Molongoane, appeared alongside Mologadi in court. ALSO READ: Pakistani national spaza shop owner arrested in murder case of 14-year-old Likhona Fose 'They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 20 June 2025 in the Polokwane High Court.' Murder Malabi-Dzhangi said during Mologadi's appearance in the dock, the court heard the grim details of how she orchestrated her father's murder following claims made by Mogotlane (Accused 3), a traditional healer, who alleged that her father was responsible for her mother's death through the use of 'muthi'. 'When attempts to retaliate using traditional means failed, Mehlape enlisted the help of various family members to hire a contract killer, agreeing to pay R200 000 for the murder. 'On the night of the incident, Mehlape unlocked the gate and main door, granting the perpetrators access to the house. The deceased was ambushed in his bedroom while asleep, shot multiple times, and robbed of several valuables, including his cellphone,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. Sentence Malabi-Dzhangi said a Ford Ranger double cab, believed to have been used during the crime, was seized during the arrests in Mankweng, and a firearm allegedly used in the killing was recovered during an arrest in Zebediela. In mitigation, Mologadi apologised to her family, noting that she is the primary caregiver of her one-year-nine-month-old daughter and had unresolved disputes with her father. However, state advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that the guilty plea was motivated by overwhelming evidence rather than genuine remorse. She described the murder as 'gruesome and heartless,' urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence. Violent crimes Malabi-Dzhangi said the NPA welcomes the conviction and life sentence, viewing it as a clear affirmation of the justice system's resolve to hold perpetrators of serious and violent crimes accountable. 'This outcome underscores the NPA's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and securing justice for victims and their families,' Malabi-Dzhangi said. ALSO READ: Elderly mother and son shot dead in KZN
