A man accused of murder and attempted murder which he committed in Westham in March 2021 was successfully convicted at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court recently.
The suspect was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for murder and a further 10 years for attempted murder, with four years set to run concurrently. The investigation was led by Captain Kippie Pillay from SAPS Phoenix who has previously secured several successful murder convictions over the years.
According to Captain Louise Naidoo, spokesperson for SAPS Phoenix, on 6 March 2021 the deceased was walking on a road Uppingham Road when he was accosted by the accused who demanded money.
She said: “A fight ensued between the pair resulting in the accused stabbing the deceased once on his back. The deceased was rushed to hospital where he later died. Upon hearing about the incident, another complainant known to the accused approached the accused to enquire what was his reason for stabbing the deceased. While talking, the accused drew out a knife and stabbed the complainant once at the back of his neck. The complainant was also rushed to the hospital where he received stitches. A further case of attempted murder was registered against the accused.”
She said: “Sgt Mampoza then received information of the whereabouts of the accused and proceeded to the area where he was successfully arrested. The accused was charged and appeared at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court where he was refused bail and remained in custody.”
“The matter was eventually transferred to the Verulam Regional Court for trial. The accused had pleaded not guilty to all charges, but overwhelming evidence led against the accused led to his conviction. He was found guilty of all counts by the court and was sentenced accordingly. The investigating officer, Captain Kippie Pillay was praised for his excellent conviction by the station commander, Brigadier BM Zondi,” added Captain Naidoo.
