The Johannesburg High Court has found Celekuhle Makhanye and Musawenkosi Siyanda Mkhize guilty of murder and car hijacking and sentenced them to life in prison.
The two were arrested in Jeppe on July 31.
According to Jeppe SAPS spokesperson Capt Richard Munyai, police officers were patrolling in Bertrams when they stopped two men with the intention of searching them.
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“They were about to search them when they saw a Toyota Run X with people around it and there was a commotion. Suddenly they heard two gunshots and the car drove off,” said Munyai.
He said police chased the car until they reached Joe Slovo, in Jeppestown, where the driver of the Run X hit a bridge pillar.
“Two men got out of the car and started to shoot at the two police officers. The officers returned fire and the suspects ran away on foot, leaving the third suspect inside the car.
“Police gave chase and managed to apprehend one of the suspects. The other suspect who had remained inside the car was also arrested.
“Another suspect is still on the run,” he said.
A firearm was found in the suspects’ possession. The suspects were taken to Jeppe SAPS and detained.
Munyai said following investigations the suspects were charged with the hijacking of the Toyota Run X and the murder of Mthobisi Zuma (35), who was driving the car at the time of the hijacking.
“Makhanye (29) was sentenced to life in prison. He was found guilty of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and attempted murder of the police officers.
“Mkhize was also found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” he said.
Station commander of Jeppe SAPS Brig Thembi Kubone said it was a good conviction.
“It is an indication that our police officers are dedicated and determined to fight crime in the Jeppe policing precinct.”
She said it was a stern warning to any criminals out there that police would leave no stone unturned.
“We will arrest them and make sure they are sent to jail for a very long time,” she said.
Const Joshua Nyoni and Const Maroping Motena of Jeppe SAPS were presented with certificates for their good work in arresting Makhanye and Mkhize.
Contact Jeppe SAPS on 011 624 6042.
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