The Vosloorus Regional Court sentenced Reekelelitswe John Dingane (29) of the Angelo informal settlement to life imprisonment for a series of violent crimes committed in 2022.
The sentencing was:
• Life (count one, murder)
• Life (count two, attempted murder)
• Life (count three, attempted murder)
• Life (count four, attempted murder)
• Two years (count five, contravening the Immigration Act)
• 15 years (count six, robbery with aggravating circumstances).
The sentences for counts two to six will run concurrently with count one, and Dingane was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane explained what transpired on December 10, 2022, at about 20:30 on Field Road (near Main Reef Road), Lilianton.
“A man and his friend were driving in two separate cars with their girlfriends when the women asked them to stop next to the road so they could relieve themselves.
“While waiting for their girlfriends, the friends got out of their vehicles to have a chat.
“Two men, one armed with a firearm, appeared and demanded their cellphones.
One of the men resisted, and the robbers fired several shots, one of which fatally wounded the man in his chest.”
Police officers on patrol heard the gunshots and immediately went in that direction to investigate.
“On arrival, they saw two men fleeing the scene and gave chase. They arrested Dingane with the help of residents in the nearby shacks he ran to. The second assailant was fatally shot when trying to flee,” Mjonondwane said.
“District Court prosecutor Mduduzi Mnyandu presented compelling evidence, including eyewitness accounts and forensic analysis, which played a crucial role in securing a conviction.
“Magistrate Harichand emphasised the need for accountability and the importance of protecting the community from individuals who commit such heinous acts.”
The investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Makgabo Bolten Muningi from the Boksburg North SAPS, welcomed the sentence.
“The victim’s pain is my pain. My duty and responsibility is to uncover the truth by rendering quality investigations. I treat all cases equally when executing my investigation. When duty calls, I work overtime without considering the remuneration. My motto is to do what you love and love what you do.”
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