NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed a hefty sentence that was handed down to Nyiko Wiseman Sithole, aged 39. He was sentenced on 18 November 2021 by the Barberton Regional Court for the murder of 35-year-old Xhotana Ayabulela in Barberton outside Nelspruit.

The court sentenced the accused following the evidence that was brought by the State against him. It was heard in court that on 02 March 2019, the two men had an altercation which ended badly whereby Ayabulela was stabbed by the accused. The accused then fled the scene, leaving behind the victim bleeding profusely. The victim, who is originally from the Eastern Cape Province was later certified dead and a murder case was opened by the police at Barberton.

An investigation was conducted with a launch of a manhunt for the suspect. The astute members worked tirelessly and made a breakthrough where they arrested Sithole on 22 January 2021 in Barberton. He was then charged, trialled and convicted hence his sentence to 20 years imprisonment for a count of murder.

The Provincial Commissioner has also lauded the sterling work displayed by the Investigation team, the Prosecution, as well as the Judiciary with a hope that the sentence will bring closure to the victims’ family whilst serving as a lesson to those who might consider emulating the actions of the accused.

Source: South African Police Service