Senwabarwana Regional Court hands down 12 years’ imprisonment sentence to a 29-year-old accused for murder at a tavern

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE – On Thursday 24 October 2024, the Senwabarwana Regional Court in Capricorn District, meted out a 12 years’ imprisonment sentence to Koena Amos Mafif,i aged 29, in connection with a murder incident.

The court heard that on Sunday 09 October 2022 at about 01:15, the accused followed a 33-year-old male victim to a local tavern in Ga Marais village under Senwabarwana policing area. On arrival, the accused started to fight with the victim and took out a sharp object and stabbed him in the upper body.

Amos fled the scene afterwards on foot and the victim, known as Thabang Manaka, was rushed to the hospital for medical attention however, he succumbed to his severe injuries while on the way to the facility.

Following the incident, a murder case was opened and an immediate manhunt for his apprehension was launched until he handed himself over to the police the very same day in the morning at about 08:50.

The matter was handed to Sergeant Johanna Ramaphoko attached to Senwabarwana Detectives Unit for further investigations. Sergeant Ramaphoko fought tooth and nail during the court proceedings in ensuring that Mafifi was never granted to bail until his sentencing on Thursday 24 October 2024.

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the good investigative work displayed by Sergeant Ramaphoko in ensuring that the case is thoroughly investigated, the accused is given the appropriate conviction and sentencing to pay for his despicable crime that he committed to bring agony and grief to the deceased’s family and loved-ones.

Ends

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Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
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