The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed a hefty sentence handed down to Kgomotso Cecil Khoza, aged 25 as well as Siphesihle Jeremiah Mashabane, aged 26. The accused were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder as well as an additional 15 years imprisonment term each for robbery with aggravating circumstances by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, on Monday, 04 April 2022.

The court heard how on the 16 December 2015 police received information about an alleged murder that had occurred in a house at Extension 06 in Barberton. Upon arrival the officers found the victim lying on the floor with visible blood stains, unresponsive. They then summoned medical personnel and the victim was certified dead at the scene.

Police then swiftly opened a murder case and launched an investigation into the matter. The investigation team worked around the clock and managed to gather information which led to the arrest of the suspects on 18 December 2015, they (suspects) were also found in possession of items believed to be stolen during the incident.

The Provincial Commissioner has applauded the Investigation Team, the Prosecution Team as well as the Judiciary which resulted in the commendable sentence. "We are so appreciative to all the efforts and a job well done by those that participated in this case. We hope that the family will find closure and that the sentence will serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the accused" said the General.

Source: South African Police Service