The Benoni Regional Court recently sentenced Emmanuel Mathonsi (24), Celani Gumede (26) and Mzwandile Maphisa (30) to 15 years’ imprisonment each for the 2019 murder of a 31-year-old man from Mayfield, Etwatwa.
Their accomplices, Vuyani Hlophe (24) and Sibonele Masuku (22), were both sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
According to Putfontein SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Raider Ubisi, the victim was on his way home from a tavern with a friend at about 04:00 when they were attacked by a group of men.
His friend managed to escape and hide in nearby bushes.
“The victim was stabbed with a knife and a broken beer bottle. He died on the scene as a result of his injuries,” said Ubisi.
During investigations, led by Detective Constable Daniel Nkosi, police found blood-stained trousers and tekkies belonging to one of the suspects in his shack.
During his arrest, he pointed out where his accomplices lived and they too were arrested.
Putfontein Police station commander Lieutenant Colonel Wellington Mathiane welcomed the sentence.
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