By OBAKENG MAJE
The murder case against five accused has been postponed 16 January 2024 by the North West High Court sitting in Ga-Rankuwa. Mamokgethe Gertrude Mashimbi (41), Thandi Margaret Khumalo (38), William Maluleka (32), Nicholas Malope (35) and Jan Chauke (28) were arrested in connection with a former policeman, Thomas Mashimbi’s murder.
It is alleged that, Mashimbi was married to Mamokgethe Mashimbi. The five accused are further charged with 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 state called on the investigating officer to give an account of the evidence he gathered, linking the accused to the murder.
Mamothame further said the investigating officer is expected to continue giving evidence and put through cross-examination when the matter resumes next year in January.
“The state has completed leading its evidence with an expert from the cell phone network provider, demonstrating the link in communication between all accused persons in plotting the murder. The defence attorneys have also completed cross-examining the witness.
“The police investigations reveal that, between 7-24 January 2018, Gertrude 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 7-24 February 2018, to plot the execution of the plan to murder Mashimbi,” he said.
Mamothame added that, on 21 February 2018, Gertrude Mashimbi allegedly ensured that the gates and kitchen door were not properly closed to facilitate entry into the premises. He said it is further alleged that, Gertrude Mashimbi 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 cell phones, 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, and she was unharmed during the commissioning of the crime,” said Mamothame.
He said they were all arrested between 18 and 19 September 2019. Mamothame said five will remain in police custody until the matter is concluded.
The Guardian 