2025/01/24 |
Media Statement NELSPRUIT – A 30-year-old Sphamandla Kubheka has been sentenced to 38 years’ direct imprisonment by the Amersfoort Regional Court on 23 January 2025. He was convicted of theft of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, attempted murder, discharging a firearm in a public place, and negligent handling of a firearm. The court heard that Kubheka, who worked as a security guard for a certain private security company, was on night duty on 14 November 2023. During the morning shift change, it was discovered that a firearm was missing. A case of theft of a firearm was subsequently opened and registered at Amersfoort SAPS. It was further heard in court that on 25 December 2023, a shooting incident occurred whereby two males were involved in a physical altercation. Kubheka intervened and discharged a firearm, resulting in one individual being shot. Police investigation led to Kubheka’s arrest on 27 December 2023. He was released on warning and attended court whilst out of custody. On 23 January 2025, Kubheka was sentenced to a cumulative 38 years’ direct imprisonment on the following charges: · Count 1: Theft of a firearm – 15 years’ imprisonment. · Count 2: Possession of an unlawful firearm – 15 years’ imprisonment. · Count 3: Attempted murder – three year’s imprisonment. · Count 4: Discharging a firearm in a public place – three years’ imprisonment. · Count 5: Negligent handling of a firearm – two years’ imprisonment. The court further declared Kubheka unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act. The investigation team and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) worked around the clock thereby presenting a watertight case, which led to Kubheka’s conviction and sentencing. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the efforts of those involved in the case. “This sentence is a testament to the commitment of our SAPS members in collaboration with our counterparts from the NPA in ensuring that justice is served. Such behaviour cannot be tolerated, and those entrusted with firearms should handle them responsibly. We appreciate the excellent work that led to this conviction,” said Major General Mkhwanazi. Ends
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