Three years later, justice was finally served for slain cop Sergeant Melikhaya Mbhem when his two killers were each handed life sentences by the Mthatha High Court last week.
Hawks provincial spokeswoman Captain Anelisa Feni said Mbhem was out walking in Cala on April 17 2014 when he was stabbed by the two men, Thandazile Dyantyi, 30, and Lukholo Bhayibhayi, 31. The pair was accused of stealing his service pistol as well.
Mbhem was rushed to hospital following the attack but died seven days later due to his injuries.
According to Feni, the Queenstown members of the Hawks’ serious organised crime unit were roped in to investigate the attack on Mbhem a month after it took place.
“We received information that there was a man in Cala who was shooting randomly at night, and it happened to be Dyantyi who, after questioning, confessed and implicated Bhayibhayi for having stolen Mbhem’s firearm,” she said.
“Bhayibhayi, who was found at his homestead, conceded to selling the pistol.” Mbhem’s service pistol was successfully traced and both Dyantyi and Bhayibhayi were subsequently arrested.
“The two were found guilty on September 28 by the Mthatha High Court,” Feni said. “We applaud the Hawks members, the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority for their dedication throughout the investigation.”
The duo were sentenced last Wednesday to life imprisonment for robbery and murder, 15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and 15 years each for possession of ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently.
- Dutywa police yesterday arrested a 29-year-old man for possession of an unlicensed pistol with two rounds of ammunition during a routine patrol.
Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said the firearm would be sent for ballistic tests to establish whether it had been used in any criminal matter in the Dutywa area.
The suspect will appear before the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court today on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
Two men handed life terms for murdering and robbing officer
Hawks provincial spokeswoman Captain Anelisa Feni said Mbhem was out walking in Cala on April 17 2014 when he was stabbed by the two men, Thandazile Dyantyi, 30, and Lukholo Bhayibhayi, 31. The pair was accused of stealing his service pistol as well.
Mbhem was rushed to hospital following the attack but died seven days later due to his injuries.
According to Feni, the Queenstown members of the Hawks’ serious organised crime unit were roped in to investigate the attack on Mbhem a month after it took place.
“We received information that there was a man in Cala who was shooting randomly at night, and it happened to be Dyantyi who, after questioning, confessed and implicated Bhayibhayi for having stolen Mbhem’s firearm,” she said.
“Bhayibhayi, who was found at his homestead, conceded to selling the pistol.” Mbhem’s service pistol was successfully traced and both Dyantyi and Bhayibhayi were subsequently arrested.
“The two were found guilty on September 28 by the Mthatha High Court,” Feni said. “We applaud the Hawks members, the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority for their dedication throughout the investigation.”
The duo were sentenced last Wednesday to life imprisonment for robbery and murder, 15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and 15 years each for possession of ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently.
Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said the firearm would be sent for ballistic tests to establish whether it had been used in any criminal matter in the Dutywa area.
The suspect will appear before the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court today on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos