| Maximum sentence handed to murder accused | |
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| Date Published: | 2015/08/12 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement from North West Media Centre Potchefstroom- The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Jacob Tsumane welcomed a life imprisonment sentence handed to Lebogang Babu Chika (26) today by Potchefstroom’s North Gauteng High Court for murder. The incident took place in August 2013 at Ellaton, Klerksdorp; where the lifeless body of Pule Kumbi (44) was found lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. It was revealed during investigation that the deceased’s wife, Zodwa Kumbi, was involved in the case. She allegedly hired Chika and Abel Papa Olifant (28) to kill her husband. Chika and Kumbi’s wife were arrested the day before the funeral while Olifant was arrested the next day; they all appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody for formal bail application. The bail was successfully opposed, however, Chika and Olifant remained in custody while Zodwa Kumbi was granted R15 000, 00 after appeal. The accused, with exception of Zodwa Kumbi appeared in court on 23 February 2015; her bail was eventually forfeited on 9 March 2015. Chika’s sentencing came after he pleaded guilty upon appearance in court on 11 August 2015; the case was remanded to 12 August 2015 and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Chika was also declared unfit to possess any firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (ACT NO. 60 OF 2000). Meanwhile, Olifant, who was on parole when he was arrested after being sentenced in 2008 to 15 years imprisonment for murder will be appearing in court tomorrow. The community is requested to assist with information that may lead to the arrest of Zodwa Kumbi by calling the Investigating Officer; Detective Lt Col Lindsy Veldschoen on 082 856 0912. “We would like to commend the team of dedicated members who made it possible to secure the conviction. We have no doubt that this will send a clear message that crime does not pay”, said Major General Jacob Tsumane. Media enquiries: Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone: 082 496 9642 nw.com.serv@saps.gov.za
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