Palmietfontein SAPS Detectives Service endeavours yielded positive results when two life sentences were handed at
Sterkspruit Reginal court on the 03 June 2021.
D/ Cst Malibongwe Kutwana good and high quality investigative work, evidence collection and presenting skills in court were instrumental in Alphios Mgijimas’ 41, sentencing at Sterkspruit Reginal court on the 03 June 2021 for two life sentences and additional seven (7) years as follows:
1. kidnapping- 7 years Imprisonment
2. Rape- Life Imprisonment and Count
3. Murder- Life imprisonment.
It is alleged that the couple were in a process of separation due to their abusive relationship. During 16 June 2016 the deceased who was aged 24-year-old by then, was at a recreational place at Maxaxuba when her estranged husband arrived at the tavern and began to assault her.
The deceased disappeared on the 16 June 2016 and was never seen again.
Nearly after a month on the 15 July 2016 a passerby saw a human body abandoned at a pit toilet and alerted the police.
A case docket was registered and assigned to the general detective D/ Cst Malibongwe Kutwana to be investigated.
On the 15 July 2016 the accused person Alphios Mgijima aged 37 yrs old by then was arrested and released on August 2016 on bail.
On the 14 September 2016 he was re – arrested because he failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
During October 2020 the case went for trial at the Sterkspruit Regional court. The accused was kept in custody until the case was finalized.
On the 03 June 202 the accused was found guilty as charged sentence as follows.
Count 1.Kidnapping- 7 years Imprisonment
Count 2.Rape- Life Imprisonment
Count 3-murder Life Imprisonment, Count 1 Kidnapping and count 2. Rape to run concurrently.
The acting District Commissioner Brigadier Rudolph Adolph congratulated the meticulous and professional investigation by the investigator and also the collaboration between SAPS and NPA National Prosecution Authority which led to the lengthy prison term. “The sentence is the outcome of the SAPS unwavering commitment in the fight against crimes against women and children,” he said.
Source: South African Police Service
