After nearly 20 years, a murder suspect, who astoundingly manoeuvred himself into a brand new life has finally been brought to book.
Samantha Bennett was barely ten years old when, in 1995, a male detective Piet Byleveld had to be appointed after her father, Lee (46), lay next to her in cold blood in an alleged murder.
The little girl showed no hesitation when identifying Martin Ngema (then 23) as the one who had shot her father, Lee Bennett in the head on November 21,1995 at their home Shandonweg, Parkmore in Johannesburg.
Ngema’s fingerprints were also found in the red Volkswagen Golf that he and his two alleged accomplices, John Matli and Nhlanhla Madia fled the scene with.
Unlike his alleged accomplices Ngema refused bail.
Shortly before the trial in 1997, Ngema, presumably with the help of a policeman and the forged signature of a magistrate escaped from prison “on bail”.
Ngema then forged his own death certificate and forged a new ID with a small adjustment in his identification number from the Department of Home Affairs. The “late” Martin Nkosenye Ngema became Alfred Sibusiso Ngema.
Ngema was well known in Vryheid and had built fairly good relationships with many locals as a salesman at a local car dealership. He had won the “Salesman of the year” award a few times as he was said to be one of the best at doing his job.
He was among the eThekwini Municipalities client list as the director of the company Indlela Yomnotho Trading.
He had also purchased several properties in town.
His past caught up with him in November last year when the traffic police arrested him and he was charged with reckless and negligent driving.
When his fingerprints were taken, the police realised he was the alleged killer of Lee Bennett.
Ngema who recently visited the Johannesburg High Court, was arrested because his “death” was never recorded on the police system.
Ngema’s manager is said to have adamantly defended him after police arrested him.
“I told them it could not be. Not Alfred. He is a great, candid guy, “the manager told the Rapport.
It seemed inconceivable to the manager that Ngema had been one of the three who attacked Samantha and Lee back in 1995.
Story on Netwerk24: https://www.netwerk24.com/nuus/2014-11-09-moordenaar-staan-uit-die-dood-uit-op
Photo taken from Netwerk24.com website
