Recent crime stats show that hijackings have slightly decreased in South Africa. Image: iStock
Two men sentenced to 130 years in prison for hijacking and murder
Two Free State men have been sentenced to more than 130 years collectively for murder and hijacking in Thabong.
Recent crime stats show that hijackings have slightly decreased in South Africa. Image: iStock
Two men received a collective sentence of 130 years imprisonment for the murder of a man during a hijacking and for being in possession of a stolen vehicle as well as an illegal firearm with ammunition in Thabong, Free State.
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Hijacking and murder
The two convicts, Ndumiso Mfeno 42, and Ayabonga Dlokweni 40, were sentenced by the Free State High Court in Welkom for two Thabong cases and an Ennerdale case, including possession of stolen vehicles.
The court heard that on 29 August 2019 at about 18:50 Mr Matias Sithole arrived at home in Thabong when his Toyota D4D doublecab bakkie was hijacked by two suspects. He was fatally wounded.
The case was assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Gerrie Nel of Thabong Serious and Violent Crimes.
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Arrests of the suspects
On 12 September 2019 one of the suspects, Ndumiso Mfene, was found in possession of a stolen vehicle in Pinetown and was linked to the Thabong hijacking.
The investigation led to another murder suspect, Ayabonga Dlokweni, who was arrested on 8 October 2019 at Thabong for driving a stolen vehicle. Inside the vehicle, a R5 rifle, magazine and ammunition were found.
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Sentencing of the two men
Ndumiso Mfene was sentenced to a collective 45 years, of which 20 years for robbery aggravated and life imprisonment for the murder of Mr Sithole.
Ayabonga Dlokweni was sentenced to a collective 85 years, which include 15 years for aggravated robbery, life imprisonment for the murder of Mr Sithole and a further 5 years for being in possession of a hijacked vehicle, 25 years for being in possession of a R5 rifle, and 15 years for the possession of ammunition.
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