Notorious Criminal Sentenced to Over 53 Years in Prison
Sipho Mhlanga was found guilty on ten charges, including kidnapping, murder, and aggravated robbery
Notorious Criminal Sentenced to Over 53 Years in Prison
In a significant development for the community of northern KwaZulu Natal, a notorious criminal has been handed a hefty prison sentence. Sipho Mhlanga, who struck fear into the hearts of locals, was found guilty on ten charges, including kidnapping, murder, and aggravated robbery.
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According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mhlanga was apprehended in August 2023. He was linked to a syndicate involved in smuggling hijacked and stolen vehicles from South Africa to Mozambique through various borders in KZN.
Since his arrest, Mhlanga has been in custody, and on 19 June 2024, he was convicted on all ten charges, which include murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping. Notably, Mhlanga's accomplice, Vusi Amos Malwane, received a 55-year prison sentence from the Ingwavuma Magistrates Court in June 2023.
Notorious Criminal Sentenced to Over 53 Years in Prison
The SAPS task team, deployed to Emanguzi in February 2023, has made significant strides. They have arrested 276 suspects, with 107 still in police custody.
Their efforts led to the recovery of 150 stolen or hijacked vehicles, primarily 4x4s. During this operation, 93 SUVs and/or 4×4 vehicles and 57 sedans were successfully retrieved. Impressively, 135 of these vehicles have been returned to their rightful owners.
The crackdown also targeted illegal firearms. Over 70 unlicensed firearms, including 14 rifles, were seized. In a collaborative effort, the Mozambique police and the South African Police Service have devised a joint action plan to combat transnational crime.
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Regular cross-border operations aim to prevent vehicle smuggling, kidnappings, and stock theft.
