Pic: (Prisoner’s cell)

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner;  Major General Jacob Tsumane welcomed life imprisonment sentence handed over to Lebogang Babu Chika, 26, by the North Gauteng High Court sitting in Potchefstroom for murder on Wednesday.    

The incident took place in August 2013 at Ellaton, Klerksdorp where a lifeless body of Pule Kumbi, 44, was found lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. 

North West police spokesperson col Sabata Mokgwabone said it was revealed that the deceased’s wife, Zodwa Kumbi was involved in the case during investigations. 

“She allegedly hired Lebogang Babu Chika and Abel Papa Olifant,28, to kill her husband. Lebogang Chika and Zodwa were arrested the day before the funeral while Abel Papa Olifant was arrested a day later,” Mokgwabone said.

They all appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court and were remanded in custody for formal bail application.

The bail was successfully opposed, however, Zodwa Kumbi was granted R15 000 after her appeal while the other accused remained in custody.  

The accused, with exception of  Zodwa Kumbi appeared in court on 23 February 2015, and her bail was eventually forfeited on 9 March 2015.  Lebogang Chika’s sentencing came after he pleaded guilty upon appearance in court on Tuesday.  

The case was remanded  to Wednesday, 12 August 2015 and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also  declared unfit to possess any firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (ACT NO. 60 OF 2000).

Meanwhile, Abel Papa Olifant who was on parole when he was arrested after being sentenced in 2008 to 15 years imprisonment for murder, will be appearing in court today, 13 August 2015.

The community is requested to assist with information that may lead to the arrest of Zodwa Kumbi by calling the Investigating Officer; Detective Lt Col Lindsy Veldschoen on 082 856 0912.         
“We would like to commend the team of dedicated members who made it possible to secure the conviction. We have no doubt that this will send a clear message that crime does not pay”, said Major General Jacob Tsumane.
-TDN
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