The Ventersdorp Magistrates' Court has sentenced three men for their involvement in the murder of Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane, who was attached to Kimberley Crime Scene Investigation (CSI).
Tshepo Sthembiso Molaba (33), Thabiso Gladwin Phendela (30), and John Elvis Hlongwane (30) were found guilty on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the administration of justice, and murder of a police official.
Molaba received a 10-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, while Phendela was sentenced to four years for defeating the administration of justice.
Hlongwane, who was found guilty of murdering Warrant Officer Diphephenyane, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars. Additionally, all three accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Murder and Investigation
The case dates back to July 2023, when Warrant Officer Diphephenyane was travelling from Kimberley to Rustenburg on an official assignment.
He was hijacked in Klerkskraal, North West, and robbed of his state vehicle, cellphone, and money. Tragically, his lifeless body—showing signs of strangulation—was later discovered dumped beside a road in Klerkskraal.
A multidisciplinary task team consisting of the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, and provincial detectives from North West and Northern Cape, among others, was assembled to track down the suspects.
Investigations led authorities to Boikhutsong in Ventersdorp, Vosloorus, and Brakpan in Gauteng, where the trio was arrested. They remained in custody until their sentencing.
Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the dedication of the investigation and prosecution teams.
"This verdict is a testament to the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies. The successful conviction and sentencing send a strong message that crimes against police officials will not go unpunished," said Brigadier Munzhedzi.
Updated: 17:22 30 January 2025 Thursday
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