Violence against women and children is an on-going scourge in South Africa. However, as media sources focus on this trending pandemic, with multiple cases being brought to the forefront, one victim’s family has seen justice prevail.
This follows a woman’s body being found in an open veld near the railway lines in KwaMathukuza, Newcastle, in February 2018. Her body, reflecting the horror which she endured in her final moments on this earth.
Lizzy Arumugam, Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications, explains the woman’s body was found with multiple stab wounds to her chest and blood on her face. She explains, “The body was found by a member of the community, who immediately contacted the Newcastle police.”
Upon arriving at the scene, police noted, the unfortunate woman’s body had not only sustained multiple stab wounds, but she was also half-naked, indicating she endured further horror.
The docket was assigned to Detective Sergeant ZM Mthembu of Newcastle SAPS for investigation—and through hard work coupled with long hours, her determination to solve the murder, rape and robbery case finally led to a conviction.
Through this dedication, Taolana Thabanga a 24-years-old man, was recently convicted by the Newcastle Regional Court for these heinous crimes.
Seeing him charged for the murder of the woman, Thabanga was sentenced to imprisonment for life. For the rape, he received an additional life imprisonment sentence.
Beholding justice being served, he received a further 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Colonel JJ Kubheka, the Newcastle Detective Commander, thanked Detective Sergeant ZM Mthembu for her dedication and insightful investigation in securing an excellent conviction.
Well done to Detective Sergeant ZM Mthembu for ensuring the Newcastle Regional Court was able to hand down a stiff sentence.
Author: Quinton Boucher
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
3 Responses
Excellent work Detective ZM Mthembu 🙌🙌🙌Keep this up🙏🏻
Still not harsh enough. He will now enjoy more than so many unemployed an now perhaps homeless as well, people. He deserves nothing.
Job well done Sir the perpetrator deserve this may you keep up good work. We need police members like you #Phansi ngokubulala abesifazane Phansi