TWO men have been collectively sentenced to 130 years imprisonment for killing a man during a hijacking in Thabong, Welkom.
They were also found in possession of a stolen car and an illegal firearm with ammunition.
The court heard that on 29 August 2019, Matias Sithole arrived at home in Thabong when his Toyota Hilux D4D bakkie was hijacked by Ndumiso Mfeno (42) and Ayabonga Dlokweni (40).
Sithole was fatally wounded, and a case was assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Gerrie Nel. On 12 September 2019, one of the suspects, Ndumiso Mfene, was found in possession of a stolen car in Pinetown and was linked to the Thabong hijacking.
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The investigation led to another suspect, Ayabonga Dlokweni, who was arrested on 8 October 2019 at Thabong for driving a stolen car. Inside the vehicle, an R5 rifle, magazine and ammunition were found.
Police spokesman Captain Stephen Thakeng said Ndumiso Mfene was sentenced to a collective 45 years, of which 20 years for robbery aggravated and life imprisonment for the murder of Sithole.
Ayabonga Dlokweni was sentenced to a collective of 85 years, which include 15 years for aggravated robbery, life imprisonment for the murder of Sithole and a further five years for having a stolen car, 25 years for being in possession of an R5 rifle, and 15 years for the possession of ammunition.
