MBOMBELA – Four accused, Thabang Elvis Nthako (36), Samson Bhuti Makuwa (25), George Maswanganyi (27) and Bheki David Mokoena (33), who had kidnapped and murdered two men, were found guilty by the Circuit of the Pretoria High Court in Middelburg  on August 11.

The men are scheduled to appear again in the same court for sentencing on Monday, August 28, on charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.

They were arrested in November 2014 after police had found Nthako driving a vehicle belonging to one of the murdered victims, Phillip Daniel Monkwe (50), who had been reported missing. An investigation led to the arrest of the other three, Makuwa, Maswanganyi and Mokoena. A further probe also revealed that Monkwe was giving the accused a lift when they held him at gunpoint and instructed him to drive to an old mine shaft.

Upon arrival, he was blindfolded and forced out the vehicle. He was then instructed to jump into the shaft, which was about 45m deep. He fell to his death. During the investigation, the accused pointed out the scene to police. While retrieving Monkwe’s remains, police discovered another body, which was later identified as that of David Vusi Majola (39), who had been reported missing. The four men were later linked to Majola’s death. The latter had also been hijacked and thrown down the same shaft.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, is pleased with the verdict of the High Court and believes that it constitutes fair punishment.

Submitted by: SAPS Office of the Provincial Commissioner, MP
Subeditor: Lynette Brink / Letter Linguist 
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