KEY POINTS
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Nyambeni Makhipa sentenced to 20 years for murder.
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Makhipa and his guards tortured an alleged thief before his death.
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Limpopo police commissioner welcomes the heavy sentence.
The High Court in Thohoyandou has sentenced 43-year-old security company owner Nyambeni Makhipa for the brutal murder of an alleged thief.
In 2022, two security guards employed by Makhipa were working at a hardware business in Khubvi village, Limpopo, according to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Stephen Thakeng.
While on duty, the security guards intercepted a man allegedly attempting to steal from the hardware store on February 25. They tied ropes around the suspect’s legs and hands and summoned Makhipa to the premises.
The alleged thief faced assault with wood and pepper spray upon his arrival.
Suspect dies after brutal assault; murder charges filed
After an hour of assault, Makhipa ordered an employee to escort the suspect to the Thohoyandou police station. However, on March 1, 2022, the body of Abraham Mulovhedzi was found floating in the Vombe River at Mahuvha village.
They alerted the police and filed a murder case. The discovery of Mulovhedzi’s body led to the arrest of Makhipa and his two employees. The Provincial Investigations Unit took over the case, assigning Detective Warrant Officer Matamela to the investigation.
Makhipa was sentenced to 20 years for murder and other crimes
After the trial, the High Court sentenced Makhipa to 20 years in prison for murder. He was also sentenced to 10 years for robbery and another 10 years for kidnapping.
The court ordered that these sentences run concurrently, meaning Makhipa will serve an effective 20 years behind bars.
According to IOL, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence and emphasized the importance of deterring community members from taking the law into their own hands.
