The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed a hefty sentence that was handed down by the Evander Regional Court upon Musa Mthethwa (38). The accused was sentenced to a total of 13 years imprisonment for murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on Monday, 23 January 2023.

The court heard how the accused stabbed Mr Thulane Christopher Mabaso (55) to death at Extention 17, Marikana in Leslie on 04 October 2020 around 21h00.

It is said that Mr Mabaso had witnessed Mthethwa fighting and stabbing his friend in the hand. When he tried to stop the fight, Mthethwa turned against him and stabbed him on his neck. The accused then fled the scene and thereafter authorities were informed about the incident. Sadly, Mr Mabaso sustained serious injuries and as a result he was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. A case was opened with a charge of murder and that of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the victim that was stabbed on his hand. The investigation was conducted by the police whereby Mthethwa was traced and arrested the same day. His first court appearance was on 05 October 2020 and he was remanded in custody until he was granted bail on 04 December 2020. The trial was held and the state presented a strong case against the accused who was convicted hence his sentence. The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further applauded the investigation team, the Prosecution team and the Judiciary for all their hard work which resulted in the well-deserved sentence.

Source: South African Police Service