| 2024/05/17 |
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Media Statement MPUMALANGA – Polosho Milimi (30) was found guilty and sentenced by the Mhala Regional Court on Thursday, 16 May 2024, for kidnapping, murder, theft of motor vehicle, possession of unlicensed ammunition and escape from lawful custody. The sentence followed after a successful investigation conducted by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. On 28 January 2020, a missing person case was reported at Calcutta police station. During investigation, information led the team to the residential place of Milimi. A search and seizure operation was authorised and executed. During the search, a vehicle belonging to the reported missing person, Given Sipho Shabangu and 9mm ammunition were found and seized. Milimi was then arrested on 7 February 2020. Milimi told the team that he would take them to accused no 2 Bonginkosi Ndhlovu (22), who knew about the vehicle. On 12 February 2020, Milimi was booked out for further investigation. He took the team to Ndhlovu. On arrival, the accused tried to escape and the team gave chase. Milimi was left with a police officer guarding him when the officer was pointed with a firearm by an unknown person. He took the unmarked police vehicle together with the suspect and escaped. Ndlovu was arrested, and the unmarked police vehicle was later recovered. On 13 February 2020, Ndlovu took the team to the hiding place of Milimi. On arrival at the premises, they found the human remains. Forensic investigation revealed that it was the body of Shabangu. Milimi was traced and re-arrested. Investigation was finalized and the matter was transferred to Mhala Regional Court. The accused were sentenced as follows: Accused no1. Polosho Milimi was sentenced as follows:
Total 20 years imprisonment. Count 2 and 3 running concurrently. Count 5 runs separately. Effective sentence: Fifteen (15) years of direct imprisonment. Accused no.2 Ndhlovu acquitted of all charges. The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber hailed the good work done by the investigators and the prosecutor. Investigation Officer D/W/O EJP De Lange, Calcutta Detective: Sgt. Mashego and – State Advocate (Prosecutor) : Advocate A. Venter. The General further said that,” as the Hawk’s we shall investigate all priority Crimes and arrest all perpetrators who threatens the safety of the community without fear or favor. We shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served. We trust this sentence will serve as deterrent to other would be criminals, he concluded.” Ends
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