Limpopo Division of the High Court sitting in Thohoyandou has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to the accused, Muvhuso Morgan Nyadzani (25), marking a pivotal moment of closure for the law enforcement community and the family of the slain officer, Warrant Officer Mbulaheni Ronald Mulanduli (57).
The deceased officer who was attached to Mutale SAPS was working in the holding cells on 27 November 2020, when the accused was detained for charges of rape and kidnapping. On the way to the holding cells, the accused managed to overpower the police officer and grabbed a sharp object that was recovered after the safe lock up and subsequently stabbed him several times in a sudden unprovoked attack.
The assailant then robbed the deceased officer of keys to the cells and safe. He took an undisclosed amount of cash from the safe and escaped without being noticed.
The deceased was discovered by his colleagues. Cases of murder, robbery and escaping from lawful custody were opened. The accused was already on trial for cases of house breaking, violation of protection order and kidnapping.
The cases were transferred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Thohoyandou. The accused was tracked down and arrested within two days of the incident. The investigating team successfully opposed bail until the accused was sentenced today, on Friday, 14 March.
The sentences were handed as follows:
• Count 1. Murder= Life imprisonment
• Count 2. Robbery = 15 years imprisonment
• Count 3. Rape=15 years imprisonment
• Count 4. Kidnapping = 5 years imprisonment
• Count 5. Kidnapping = Not Guilty
• Count 6. Protection order = 3 years imprisonment
• Count 7. Escaping from Lawful Custody = 5 years
Count 8. House breaking = 7 years.
The court ordered that the sentences in count 2,3,4,6,7 and 8 should run concurrently with the sentence in count 1. Consequently, the effective sentence is life imprisonment.
The accused was further declared unfit to possess or own a firearm in terms of section 103 of firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
Limpopo police provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Hadebe has welcomed the sentences and commended the members of Hawks for the sterling work. She further emphasised the importance of protecting police officers, who are integral to maintaining public safety and order, and the severe consequences faced by those who choose to commit such heinous acts against them.
“This outcome is a demonstration of the diligent efforts of the investigative team and the legal system in ensuring that those who harm law enforcement personnel are held accountable,” Concluded the General.
