Rustenburg - A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder by the North Gauteng High Court sitting in Potchefstroom, North West police said.
Police spokesperson Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said Lebogang Babu Chika was sentenced on Wednesday for the murder of Pule Kumbi, 44, who was killed in Klerksdorp in August 2013.
He said the lifeless body of Kumbi was found lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds.
“It was revealed during investigation that the deceased’s wife, Zodwa Kumbi, was involved in the case. She allegedly hired Chika and Abel Papa Olifant, 28, to kill her husband.”
He said Chika and Zodwa were arrested the day before the funeral while Abel Papa Olifant was arrested a day later.
They all appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody for formal bail application. The bail was successfully opposed. However, Kumbi was granted R15 000 after 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, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment.”
He said Olifant, who was on parole when arrested after being sentenced in 2008 to 15 years imprisonment for murder, would appear in court on Thursday.
“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,” he said.
The North West acting provincial commissioner, Major General Jacob Tsumane welcomed the sentence of life imprisonment handed down to Chika.
“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 Tsumane.
ANA