The spokesperson for the Hawks Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed that Sboniso Linda and Nkanyiso Mungwe were officially convicted and sentenced by the Madadeni High Court on Friday, 2 December 2022, for the murder of Sergeant Mzamiseni Mbele. The 39-year-old Sergeant Mbele was murdered in April 2021.
Stationed at Msinga Police Station he was on his way home when his vehicle broke down along the R74 highway in Weenen.
“He informed his wife about the incident, and whilst awaiting assistance, the accused approached him with the pretense to help. Linda and Mungwe, instead of assisting, surprise attacked Mbele,” explained Captain Mhlongo.
After bombarding the police officer and robbing him of his belongings, the two men then fled the scene. The following day, Mbele’s lifeless body was found by a farm worker.
A case of murder was reported at Weenen Police Station and the docket was allocated to the Hawks members from Pietermaritzburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder. Their bail was successfully opposed, and they appeared in court several times until they were found guilty,” said Captain Mhlongo.
Linda was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder and a further 10 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances of which half of the sentence will run concurrently. Linda will serve 25 years of direct imprisonment.
Whereas, Mungwe was sentenced to five years imprisonment for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances.
