Hefty sentences meted out to Marble Hall farm attackers

POLOKWANE – The Polokwane High court has handed down hefty sentences to three men found guilty on charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and house breaking with the intent to commit robbery.

Police spokesperson, Const Maphure Manamela said the trio were sentenced in connection with an attack on a 33-year-old farmer and his wife on farm in Du Toitskraal outside Marble Hall on Friday 9 November 2016.

According to an earlier report around six men forced their way into the house, tied up the couple and robbed them of jewellery, firearms and money. However, before the suspects fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, the farmer managed to untie himself and shoot at and fatally wound one of the suspects.

You may also want to read: Farmer shoots and kills attacker

Kenny Hlongwane (41) was sentenced to an effective 25 years imprisonment. His accomplices Mpho Maila (30) and Caissus Ntjana (32) where both given life sentences, she explained.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Police, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba, has welcomed the hefty jail sentences and says their conviction and subsequent sentence are consequent to a meticulous and sterling investigative work by a dedicated team of committed members derived from the Provincial Organized Crime Unit and the Tracking Team.

“The members worked tirelessly until the trio was arrested and I hope the harsh sentences will send a clear message that the Police will leave nothing to chance when hunting down criminals,” concluded General Ledwaba.