The Giyani Regional Court has sentenced Tinyiko Kenneth Hlungwani (46) and Tinyiko Solly Sithole (44) to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of two men during a 2017 incident in Sifasonke village.
The court’s ruling closes a harrowing chapter marked by violence and community outrage.
The tragic event unfolded during a pool tournament at a tavern owned by Hlungwani. A robbery victim at the tournament accused three individuals from nearby Jimu village of theft. This accusation sparked a chilling sequence of events that culminated in the deaths of 21-year-old Floyd Manganyi and 33-year-old Tshembho Makhubela.
In response to the robbery claim, Hlungwani and his accomplices pursued Manganyi and Makhubela. The men were captured, taken to a local soccer field, and subjected to a savage assault. The assailants reportedly used a range of weapons, including a panga and knives, to inflict severe injuries on the victims. These weapons were found in the victims’ backpacks and were turned against them during the attack.
The violence left Manganyi critically wounded, and he succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the hospital. Makhubela, who initially survived the attack, tragically passed away two weeks later from the injuries he sustained.
Initially, the case was registered as an assault investigation. However, as the severity of the victims’ injuries became apparent, the charges were upgraded to murder. Detective Sergeant Rosemary Ntota, leading the investigation, swiftly identified and arrested Hlungwani and Sithole just a week after the incident.
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Through meticulous evidence collection and witness testimony, the detective ensured a watertight case against the accused. The court found the defendants guilty of intentionally causing the deaths of the two men, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the crime and the cruelty involved.
The sentencing of Hlungwani and Sithole to life imprisonment has been welcomed as a significant step toward justice. Community members in Sifasonke and Jimu villages expressed mixed emotions—relief at the conviction and lingering grief over the senseless loss of life.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of mob justice and the abuse of authority. The presiding judge condemned the actions of the accused, stating that their vigilante behavior undermined the rule of law and had no place in a democratic society.
The tragic deaths of Floyd Manganyi and Tshembho Makhubela serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of taking the law into one’s hands. The outcome of this case underscores the importance of proper legal processes and the role of law enforcement in addressing crimes.
Detective Sergeant Ntota’s dedication to ensuring accountability has been widely praised, showcasing the importance of thorough police work in achieving justice.
As Hlungwani and Sithole begin their life sentences, the families of the victims hope this ruling will bring some measure of closure and serve as a deterrent to similar acts of violence in the future.