Central SA
Three men sentenced for Northern Cape cop’s murder─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 08:03 Fri, 31 Jan 2025
Three men have been handed hefty sentences following their conviction for the murder of a Northern Cape police officer.
Tshepo Sthembiso Molaba (33), Thabiso Gladwin Phendela (30), and John Elvis Hlongwane (30) were found guilty by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (29/1). The charges include robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the administration of justice, and the murder of a police officer.
Molaba was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. Phendela was sentenced to four years for defeating the administration of justice. Hlongwane got twelve years for the murder of WO Gaonathebe Diphephenyane.
Tshepo Molaba. Photo supplied
In addition to their sentences, all three men were declared unfit to possess firearms, said North West Hawks spokesperson, Tinyiko Molaba.
Diphephenyane, who was stationed with the Kimberley Crime Scene Investigation Unit, was murdered in July 2023 when he was hijacked at Klerkskraal in North West while travelling from Kimberley to Rustenburg on an official trip. His state vehicle, cellphone, and money were stolen.
John Elvis Hlongwane. Photo supplied
The officer’s lifeless body, showing clear signs of strangulation, was discovered dumped next to a road at Klerkskraal, some 40 km east of Ventersdorp.
Thabiso Phendela. Photo supplied
Molaba said a swift and meticulous investigation ensued, with a multidisciplinary team brought together to track down the perpetrators, including members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, and provincial detectives from both North West and Northern Cape, as well as the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management Units.
The investigation led authorities to Boikhutsong in Ventersdorp, Vosloorus, and Brakpan in Gauteng, where the three suspects were apprehended. They were remanded in custody until their sentencing on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the police are still in search of Const. Mojalefa Mgwebi’s murderers after his body was found in his vehicle in Kanana, Klerksdorp, on Sunday morning (24/11).
