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Media Statement MPUMALANGA – Zanele Mkhonto (29), was found guilty and sentenced by the Mbombela High Court for the murder of a police officer. Information was received regarding the murder of the police officer, the late Sgt Mandlenkosi Happy Thwala aged (45), who was killed during the night of Tuesday, 02 August 2022, in Gedlembane, Pienaar. The case was handed over to the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further probe. During the investigation, Mkhonto, the girlfriend of the late Sgt Thwala was linked to the murder, arrested and charged on Wednesday, 10 August 2022. She appeared at Kanyamazane Magistrates’ Court on the same day and was remanded in custody. The accused received the services of Legal Aid and battled in court on several occasions to obtain bail. She was denied bail and remained in custody since. The case was postponed to Thursday, 02 November 2023, for a guilty plea and further postponed to Monday, 27 November 2023, for pre-sentence report at High Court. The accused remained in custody. Mkhonto was sentenced by the Mbombela High Court on 04 April 2024, to 20 years’ direct imprisonment. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber, applauded the investigating officer and the prosecution authorities for their collaboration during the investigation of this case. He further encourages the public to keep on providing information to the police regarding criminal activities which are happening in their area and indicated that all information received will be treated with confidentiality. Ends
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