Two Kruger employees get life sentences

NELSPRUIT – The recent sentencing of two Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport employees, Mr Justin Fanyana Malambe (40) and his nephew Mr Wonder Sibusiso Phelembe (27) of Dwaleni Trust, for the murder of their co-worker Ms Nonkululeko Thandi Khoza, gave new hope to the bereaved family.

Malambe was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences run concurrently. His nephew was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 20 years for rape. The second and third sentence run concurrently.

Both were found guilty for the murder Khoza who was found naked and dead in her house on May 21, 2010. Post-mortem results revealed that the victim died of chest and head injuries.

Evidence presented in court stated that forensic tests proved that Phelembe’s semen was found in the victim’s body, while his co-accused was arrested when a hammer which was believed to have the DNA of the victim, was found in his house.

It was also heard in court that Phelembe handed the victim’s cellphone to her family.

After the arguments the State Advocate Mr Kenneth Mashile submitted that there was no evidence linking Malambe to the charge of rape. He also refuted the claims of sexual relationship between the deceased and Phelembe.

Outside Court

This newspaper learnt from members of the community that Malambe initially implicated two of his friends who were also workers at the airport. They were allegedly assaulted, arrested and released after police found that there was no evidence against them.

Ms Lungile Ngwenya told this newspaper that her brother Muziwakhe and his friend Jeremiah lost their jobs in 2010 due to this case.

“They were initially prime suspects in this matter. The airport told them that they would be attended to after the finalisation of this court case.

“I am happy that sentence has been passed and my prayer is for my brother to regain his work back so that he can support his family like all men. Nothing is hidden in the sight of God,” she said.