Poacher gets 17-year jail sentence
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March 15, 2024According to information in court in February 2021, Gift Vusi ‘Mberuthi’ Sikhosana (34) attacked a security officer near a certain fuel station in Bethal. It is said that Sikhosana stabbed him on the head and back with a knife whilst the guard was attending to as part of his duties. The accused was sentenced to 12 years jail time for attempted murder by the Bethal Regional Court on Monday.
As if that was not enough, the accused disarmed the victim of a firearm. As the accused was then armed, he threatened to shoot everyone within the vicinity, thereby causing panic to all people that were there.
Little did he know that his unruly behaviour was going to be dealt with, by the Police who are mandated to maintain law and order whilst dealing with life threatening situations.
Fortunately enough, members of the SAPS from Mzinoni were in the area then they were stopped and informed by a member of the public about the dramatic event that was unfolding.
It was during this time when the men and women in Blue who never hesitated but swiftly responded to the complaint whilst informing their counterparts from Bethal.
Upon arrival at the scene, the accused attempted to scare the Police by firing shots but that proved to have been a waste of time as the well-trained and competent members maintained their calmness whilst taking control of the situation.
The accused’s tricks came to an end as he was eventually disarmed and apprehended. The confiscated firearm was marked as an exhibit which was presented during the trial in court.
The accused was then charged accordingly and later convicted after overwhelming evidence was presented in court. The court found that the accused had intentions to harm the victim hence his 12 years imprisonment. The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 Act 60/2000 of the Firearms Control Act.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further commended the investigation team, the Prosecution team as well as the Judiciary for their collaborative efforts which culminated into this huge sentence.