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Over two years of investigation and determination by Emandangeni (Utrecht) police and the Vryheid Organised Crime Unit has resulted in justice being served.
A family of four was attacked in their farmhouse in Zoetmelk, Emandlangeni, on March 19, 2019. At around 8 pm, two males barged into their home, catching the family off guard.
During the attack, three of the victims managed to run for their life, according to Sergeant Dube of the Emandlangeni SAPS. One of the victims, however, was left behind.
Sergeant Dube reveals that the individual was a former Emandlangeni Municipality ANC councillor. The two suspects forced him down and shot him execution-style before fleeing the scene. “The matter was investigated by Utrecht detectives, but was later taken over by Vryheid Organised Crime unit, led by Colonel Engelbrecht,” the police officer explains.
The organized crime unit apprehended Sydney Luphondo after thorough investigations. Sergeant Dube claims that Luphondo’s partner, Bongani Ntokozo, was killed in Johannesburg not long after the incident in Utrecht.
When it comes to the motive behind the attack, Sergeant Dube admits that there is some speculation. Following the judicial proceedings, it appears that tensions within the deceased’s family may have been a factor in the vicious attack.
Nevertheless, Luphondo’s bail was successfully opposed during his bail application due to the overwhelming amount of evidence and work put in by law enforcement. Following this, the Sergeant reveals that the accused was recently sentenced in Madadeni High Court.
As a result, Luphondo received four life sentences for his conduct, plus an additional ten years for three counts of attempted murder and a further fifteen years for attempted robbery.
Warrant Officer Sibiya of the Vryheid Organised Crime Unit was praised for his great work as the investigating officer.
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