Murder suspects remain in police custody till January while one gets 22 years imprisonment

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Two murder accused suspects are set to remain in police custody until 16 January 2023 for further trial while the other one gets a 22 years sentencing.

NPA Spokesperson in Limpopo Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said that the 41 years old now convicted Leshate Lazarus Mahlo from Ga Makanye village colluded with accused number 1 Sophy Mmako to rob Elizabeth Catherine Deacon and Hester Francina Deacon who were her employers after failing to pay her, her salary.

She then suggested that Lazarus should get another person unknown to the state named Owen to help him in the plan to rob them.

The incident is said to have occurred on September 10, 2020.

“Owen came with Casper Mudau, (accused 4) to Bendor, upon arrival, Sophy provided the accused with three knives and opened the gate for them to enter, and find a spot to hide inside the house. Later, the Deacons arrived home, they were grabbed and instructed to lie down.”

“In the process of those instructions, Owen, stabbed Elizabeth, multiple times while Hester, was strangled with a rope.”

Dzhangi added that the accused proceeded to load the corpses in a motor vehicle after robbing them of R200, stealing whiskies and their Honda SUV.

Lazarus then drove deceased car to Mankweng, to drop the alcohol at his house and further proceeded to Chuenespoort where a chase ensued with the police.

Realising that the odds are against him, Lazarus decided to confess to the crime after getting by the police and cooperated with the police in detailing what exactly happened.

The court sentenced Lazarus Mahlo, to 22 years direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of murder. The matter is adjourned to 16 January 2023, for further trial of the three accused.

Makgaetji Sophy Mmako was released on bail in the Polokwane High Court. Two Zimbabwean nationals, Abibi Advance Hamid, and Casper Mudau will remain in custody.