NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma welcomed hefty sentence passed by the Mpumalanga High Court Division sitting at Breyten, wherein a 44 year old man was sentenced to 18 years jail term for murdering his girlfriend, 26-year-old Bawinile Zulu.

Information from police report suggests that in May 2018, Robert Mandla Mthombeni allegedly murdered his girlfriend at her residential place in Caroline. Yesterday, 20 August 2019, the court heard how Mthombeni locked his girlfriend inside the house and set it alight, leaving her to burn inside. Neighbours rushed to the scene and the victim was rushed to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The suspect was traced and arrested hence his sentencing yesterday.

General Zuma has applauded the good work by the versatile team for working tirelessly and making sure they don’t leave any stone unturned until they find the suspect.

Meanwhile, two men aged 20 and 47 are due to appear before Graskop Periodical Court tomorrow, 22 August 2019, for possession of a firearm and attempted business robbery.

According to information at police disposal, members from Dientjie Police Station received information about a business robbery in progress at Matibiti Apara section. On arrival, the suspects ran to the nearest mountain. A chase ensued and community members joined to assist which resulted in two suspects being nabbed. One of the suspects was found in possession of a firearm without a licence while the other suspect was rushed to hospital due to injuries sustain during the chase. He is currently in hospital under police guard.

Two more suspects are still at large. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mandisi Mbuyane on 063 3986825 or call the Crime Stop Number 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service