NELSPRUIT – The police management in Mpumalanga has welcomed hefty sentences handed down by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court which was sitting in Mbombela against two murderers, Sibusiso Mkhabela aged 32 and 48 year Abel Mamba. The Court sentenced the two men on Monday, 31 May 2021, following their gruesome act of murder and attempted murder which occurred on 31 January 2019.

The court took a decision to impose the sentences after details were heard on how Mkhabela and Mamba as well as another 29-year-old female went to a certain house in Schoemansdal near Komatipoor and kidnapped two brothers after accusing them of witchcraft

They then dragged the brothers to the street and severely assaulted them but one of them managed to escape and reported the matter to the police. Meanwhile the suspects set the other man alight. By the time police and medical personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered his lifeless body with severe burn wounds and he was certified dead by the paramedics.

A murder case was then opened with an additional charge of attempted murder. An investigation into the matter was conducted which led to the arrest of Mkhabela, Mamba as well as the female suspect. They then went on trial however during the course of the trial, the female suspect passed on.

Mkhabela and Mamba were both sentenced to 25 years each to languish in prison for murder, they were also slapped with an additional seven years each for attempted murder.

Major General Thulani Phahla, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga has commended the Investigation team, the Prosecution and the Judiciary for the sentences. “We are adamant that the sentences will send out a strong message that vigilantism will not be tolerated in this country and communities should refrain from engaging in such,” said General Phahla.

Source: South African Police Service