Murderers to rot in jail

The outstanding work of a Randfontein police officer resulted in the arrest and conviction of two men accused of beating and strangling a 23-year old man to death.

The men, Kwazi Jobe (21) and Mandla Mkhuwanazi (35) were arrested on 13 June 2012, two days after the murder of Mncedisi Wonderboy Buthelezi in Mohlakeng.

According to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson, Captain Appel Ernst, the investigating officer, Warrant officer Santie le Roux, received the docket on 12 June 2012 and immediately started her investigation in the area where the crime was committed.

“She worked long hours to obtain statements and gather evidence and her effort paid off when, on 13 June, she was able to apprehend the two suspects,” says Ernst.

“The suspects were charged and their first court appearance was on 18 June 20012.

“During the last year the case was heard on numerous occasions and the investigating officer even had to drive to KwaZulu Natal to fetch a witness.”

Her hard work was all worthwhile though, as the case was concluded on 12 June 2013, exactly a year after she had started investigating it, with both suspects being found guilty of murder.

The two accused, now aged 36 and 22, was sentenced to 18 years behind bars.

“The SAPS Management wishes to congratulate the investigating officer on her detailed investigation, her efforts during the trial to have the witnesses ready and the successful conclusion of the case,” says Ernst.