A 46-year-old tavern owner, Tinyiko Kenneth Hlungwani, and his co-accused, Tinyiko Solly Sithole (44), were each sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of two men by the Giyani Regional Court on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
The court heard that on Saturday, 26 June 2017, a pool (snooker) tournament was being held at a tavern in Sifasonke village. The tournament involved players from Jimu village and Nkurhi Sifasonke village. During the game, one of the players left to collect a jacket, as he was feeling cold. On his way back to the tavern, he was robbed by two suspects who stole cash and cellphones.
Upon returning to the tavern, the victim reported the robbery to the tavern owner. The tavern owner and a group of people present at the tavern then accused three victims from Jimu village of being responsible for the robbery. The tavern owner and the group began assaulting the three victims inside the tavern. The victims were later taken to the local soccer field with their backpacks. One of the suspects managed to escape, but observed the events from a distance.
The tavern owner and players searched the backpacks of the two remaining victims and found dangerous weapons, including a panga, axes, and knives. These weapons were then used to mutilate the victims, cutting off their fingers and toes and stabbing them.
The police were called to the scene, where they found residents fleeing in different directions. Emergency medical services arrived, and the victims were transported to the local hospital. Tragically, Floyd Manganyi (21) succumbed to his injuries upon arrival, while Tshembho Nocolas Makhubela (33) was transferred to another hospital, where he died two weeks later.
A case initially opened for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) was later converted to murder. Detective Sergeant Rosemary Ntota took over the investigation and arrested the two suspects a week after the incident. The accused were granted bail during the investigation.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the sentencing and praised the investigating officer for her diligent work.
