A Swaziland national, Thandeka Myeni, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the stabbing of a Lesotho national, Khathatso Ratsoeu, at a business on Stephenson Street, Riverside Industria in Newcastle.
Speaking on the matter, Newcastle SAPS Spokesperson, Lizzy Arumugam explained that the incident unfolded on 25 November 2023.
Myeni was involved in an altercation with her boyfriend when Ratsoeu, considered an elder at work, attempted to intervene and calm the situation.
According to Arumugam, Myeni was armed with a knife and intoxicated. Myeni then stabbed Ratsoeu once in the chest. Consequently, medical assistance was immediately sought for the severely injured man, who was rushed to Madadeni Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
While Ratsoeu was being rushed to hospital, Myeni attempted to flee the scene and dispose of the knife. However, her work colleagues managed to stop her, and they immediately contacted the police, who took her into custody. A murder case was opened, and it was assigned to Warrant Officer CJD Meyer for further investigation.
The accused was charged and made her first court appearance on 27 November 2023. This was followed by her making a formal bail application on 4 December 2023.
“Bail was refused, as she was also found to be illegal in the country, making her a flight risk,” said Arumugam. The case was then referred to the Regional Court on 23 February 2024. Arumugam noted that the court proceedings have now officially come to an end, and Myeni was found guilty of murder.
“In his verdict, the Regional Court Magistrate, Mr TCL Colditz, pointed out that this offence is quite prevalent in the Magisterial District of Newcastle, especially in the industrial area where conflict arises amongst workers. He also noted that liquor contributed to the offence and that human life is not cheap. He further pointed out that the deceased was not even part of the dispute she had with her boyfriend but was the one who got stabbed. After hearing the defence and State’s arguments about sentencing, the accused was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment,” said Arumugam.
Newcastle SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier Vassie Naidoo, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer CJD Meyer, for the meticulous investigation of the case and ensuring that justice was served for the family.
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