Bronkies SAPS’ dedication assures justice

The Bronkhorstspruit Police commander, Colonel Maqhawe Simon Dhladhla, applauded members for excellent work done at the station, which in turn led to lengthy sentences.

The members ensured several criminals have been convicted and are behind bars. This includes a shoplifter who was also declared a habitual criminal.

Noezile Anelisa Khoza (49) was recently sent to prison for 15 years. The police caught Khoza for shoplifting on May 21.

According to Constable Cathrine Ramovha, communication officer of the Bronkhorstspruit Police, a member saw the woman exiting a shop that afternoon and then going back inside.

The member followed Khoza to the fridge where the cold meats and cheeses are kept. She soon left the shop again, but the police stopped and searched her outside.

Khoza was found in possession of stolen goods valued at R1 561 and was arrested for shoplifting.

“I congratulate Detective Constable Nokwethemba Makeleni for consistently achieving success in court,” said Dhladhla.

In another successful conviction, Bronkhorstspruit Regional Court found Manekisi Tinti Mahlangu (34) guilty and sentenced him on September 19 to 20 years imprisonment for attempted murder.

Manekisi’s altercation with an accident victim led to an eventual attempted murder on November 11, 2017.

Dhladhla said in a press statement that Manekisi told a man involved in an accident to remove his car from the scene.

The man then told Manekisi that it was an accident scene and that he cannot remove his vehicle before the authorities arrived.

ALSO READ: Bronkhorstspruit Police invite community to join the CPF

Manekisi assaulted the victim and then drove away, followed by the victim.

When Manekisi was eventually stopped near the Zithobeni dumping site, he drew a weapon and shot the victim in the stomach.

Manekisi kept on shooting while the victim returned to his vehicle.

Dhladhla congratulated Detective Sergeant Thokozane Michael Ngoma for excellent detective work, which led to the conviction of Manekisi.

“I ask the community to refrain from aggressive driving. It is a major concern and real threat to the safety of all road users,” said Dhladhla.

He added that any unsafe driving behaviour, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety, can constitute aggressive driving.

“In extreme cases, this may escalate to road rage, which is a violent criminal act involving the intention to cause physical harm.

“If the public encounters such an incident, we advise them to stay calm and to reduce the stress by understanding that you cannot control the traffic.

“Protect yourself by locking your doors and do not take it personally.”

In one of the most recent successful cases, the Bronkhorstspruit Regional Court convicted Bhuti Lucas Nkosi (44) to 22 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of murder.

Nkosi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. He shot a man in the stomach at a tavern in Zithobeni.
The victim was declared dead by emergency services.

The suspect was only known as Buti-Buti. He, at the time, fled the scene, but good detective work led to his arrest.

“Congratulations, Detective Sergeant Pumlani Kube, for your unwavering dedication in securing a lengthy conviction for this murderer,” said Dhladhla.