| 2024/12/18 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, celebrates the nine life sentences imposed on Themba Prince Shongwe (36) for the multiple murders and rape of victims. Shongwe was sentenced by the Secunda Regional Court today, 18 December 2024, for his gruesome crimes against young girls from Embalenhle between 2016 and 2018. The court heard chilling accounts of Shongwe’s heinous acts, including the rapes and murders of young girls from Embalenhle. Four girls were murdered by Shongwe and he also raped a minor who lived to tell the tale. Shongwe’s reign of terror, targeting innocent girls has made life hard for residents of Embalenhle however, thanks to the excellent detective work that assisted in putting a stop to this heartless criminal. As a result, the court finally imposed a heavy sentence for each atrocity that he committed. On 05 June 2016 around 19:30, a girl who was 16 years old at the time was sent to buy some items at the tuck shop at Extension 14, Embalenhle not far from her parent’s house. She was then dragged by Shongwe, armed with a knife, to a nearby soccer field where she was robbed of her cell phone then raped. On 12 August 2016, Nokulunga Nkutha, aged 11, came back from school as usual, then put on her civilian clothes and indicated that she was going to her parental home. In the evening of that fateful day, her mother returned from work but could not find her child at home. She then went to a certain family, believing that she might have went there, however the girl could not be found. The family then started searching for her at a friend’s place but also without any success. It was at this point when the girl was reported missing at Embalenhle SAPS. Sadly, she was murdered and her body was discovered the next day. Again, on 28 June 2017 Cynthia Masilela, aged 16 from Extension 22 at Embalenhle, was on her way home that evening where she was accompanied by her female friend. Cynthia was then left by her friend, next to her grandmother’s place but the young girl never arrived home. The next day, her body was discovered by a security guard next to the municipality offices. The girl was murdered and a case was opened for investigation. At Extension 17, Embalenhle, Lerato Nkutha (11) returned from school on 07 May 2018. She then changed into her civilian clothing before she went to the street to play with her friends. Later that evening, she too, never returned home. Her family, together with some residents of Extension 17, began a search party but they could not locate her. The little girl was then reported missing at Embalenhle SAPS. Unfortunately, her body was found next to a Hair Salon in Extension 17, three days later. On 07 November 2018, one of the victims by the name of Mihle Philisiwe Zinganto, aged 11, accompanied her aunt during the day to a Hair Salon around Extension 17 at Embalenhle. The little girl then became hungry and informed her aunt that she was returning home to get some food, leaving her aunt at the salon. When the aunt was done, she went home later that evening, only to discover that her niece never arrived home. The family then mobilized community members whereby a search was conducted. After realizing that they cannot find her, they reported her as missing. A missing person’s file was opened at Embalenhle SAPS. While a search was continuing, the body of the victim was found on the street. Cases with regard to the said incidents were opened and the investigators, comprising of a team of experts in the investigation field. The investigation led to the arrest of Shongwe who was found guilty on five counts of rape as well as four counts of murder hence he was sentenced as follows: On count 1 for murder, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 2 for rape, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 3 for murder, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 4 for rape, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 5 for rape, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 6 for murder, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 7 for rape, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 8 for murder, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. On count 9 for rape, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi further applauded the team of investigators, the prosecution team as well as the Judiciary which culminated into a well-deserved sentence to the perpetrator of Gender-Based-Violence. “We are indeed glad that this perpetrator has been removed from the society for good after terrorizing women. We hope that the perpetrator’s sentence will send a clear message that such heinous acts will never be tolerated, and this should serve as a deterrent to potential offenders, “said the General. Ends
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