A Phoenix police officer has been lauded for his sterling investigative skills which led to two accused in separate cases of culpable homicide and murder being successfully convicted and sentenced.
A culpable-homicide accused received a five year sentence and a murder accused was handed down a seven-year jail term. Communications officer at Phoenix SAPS, Captain L Naidoo said, “It is alleged by an eyewitness that on the night of 22 December 2019, the victim, identified as Darren Moonsamy, 36, and his friend were at Broadgrove Sports grounds. “The pair arrived at the grounds in the company of a female. The accused, identified as Shalen Naidu, 21, and the female went to the other side of the grounds while the victim stayed near the change rooms. After a little while, Moonsamy walked to the other side of the grounds. Suddenly, Naidu stabbed the victim and fled the scene. The witness and the female called for help. An ambulance and the police were called to the scene. Moonsamy was stabbed on the left upper thigh and fell at the scene and died.” “Naidu was arrested at his home and the blood-stained clothing were seized for evidence. He (Naidu) appeared in court and bail was abandoned by the accused. The matter was brought to trial at the Verulam Regional Court 3 where after evidence was led, Naidu was found guilty of Culpable Homicide. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment,” added Captain Naidoo. Meanwhile, in another case, D/Sgt Ndonyela, managed to secure a conviction and seven-year jail sentence for Thoko Esther Ndebele, 63, who stabbed Hleziphi M Nkabinde, 50, following an altercation allegedly over a boyfriend in December 2019.
“It is alleged that on 16 December 2019, Ndebele and Nkabinde, were involved in an altercation over a boyfriend. Nkabinde was subsequently stabbed on the left side of her chest just below her neck and died at the scene. The accused, Ndebele, fled the scene, however, she was arrested the next day. She was charged and appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court. She was released on bail until her trial.” “During the trial, evidence was led which resulted in the accused being found guilty of murder. She was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. Brigadier Zondi welcomed the conviction and sentence and praised D/Sgt Ndonyela for his hard work and dedication in ensuring that the accused was punished for the crime she committed,” said Captain Naidoo. “A warning is meted out to would-be criminals that should you commit an offence, a similar or harsher punishment will be imposed by the court,” she added.
