A GRADE 12 pupil who stabbed and killed a 58-year-old man over a bicycle was sentenced to 13 years in prison at eSikhawini Regional Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Thembelani Mduduzi Mhlongo (20), a pupil at Majika Secondary School, confessed to killing Bongani Sithole in the Bhekamahubo area in Gingindlovu in June.
It was revealed that while walking home, Mhlongo and four friends crossed paths with the victim who was pushing his bicycle.
They confronted him with knives and demanded his bike.
When Sithole refused, Mhlongo plunged a knife into his chest and left arm, killing him in cold blood.
Sithole fled to seek help, but in one of the village’s homesteads.
Mhlongo was arrested the next day after his friends informed the police about the gruesome murder.
He was charged with murder and kept in custody for five months before the trial.
During court proceedings, the State Prosecutor supplied the court with signed affidavits from Mhlongo’s friends, the police and medical practitioner who examined Sithole’s body.
In passing sentence, Magistrate Hlophe said a strong message had to be sent to criminals.
‘The community must have confidence in the justice system. Heavy sentences have to be carried out in order to curb violence.
‘Confessing to the murder does not mean the offender is remorseful, but it simply means he knew the evidence against him was overwhelming.
‘It is the court’s duty to send a strong message and punish criminals,’ Hlope said.
