By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against five accused was postponed by the North West High Court in Garankuwa to 18 September 2023. Mamokgethe Gertrude Mashimbi (41) was charged with murder of her husband, the former policeman, Thomas Mashimbi, along with other four accused, Thandi Margaret Khumalo (38), William Maluleka (32), Nicholas Malope (35) and Jan Chauke (28).
Five suspects were arrested and charged with murder, two counts of conspiracy or incitement to commit murder, housebreaking with intent to kill, murder with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, fraud on accused one only, and perjury on accused one only.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “The police investigations reveal that between 7 and 24 January 2018, Mashimbi approached two individuals, now state witnesses, and incited them to commit a planned robbery at their marital home in Lebanon, near Winterveldt.
“The two then failed to commit to the proposition, but reported the matter to the police. She then approached Khumalo, who arranged a meeting with the other three accused. Reports reveal that meetings were conducted between 7 and 24 February 2018, to plot the execution of the plan to murder Mashimbi.”
Mamothame further said, on 21 February 2018, Mashimbi allegedly ensured that the gates and kitchen door were not properly closed to facilitate entry into the premises. He added that Mashimbi allegedly went to the police on 10 November 2017 and complained that her husband was abusing her, thus requesting a protection order.
“The order was granted and Mashimbi’s firearm was confiscated as a result, pending the outcome of the SAPS internal process to ascertain his fitness to possess a firearm. The state argues that this was part of the plan to disarm the deceased, to prevent him from defending himself when the attack is executed.
“It is alleged that, on 21 February 2018, Maluleka, Malope, and Chauke entered the house and shot at the deceased, subsequently escaping the scene with two cellphones, a TV set and money estimated at R20 000. It is alleged that Gertrude and two of their children were in the house when the plan unfolded,” said Mamothame.
According to information, Gertrude was unharmed during the commissioning of the crime. The suspects were all arrested between 18 and 19 September 2019.
Mamothame said the state has completed its leading evidence with an expert from the cell phone network provider, who demonstrated the link in communication between all accused persons in plotting the murder. He said the defence attorneys have also completed cross-examining the witness.
“The state is expected to call more witnesses, including the investigating officer when the matter resumes in September. The five will remain in police custody until the matter is concluded,” he said.
The Guardian 