A Zimbabwean national was sentenced to 22 years in prison for murder by the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo.
Nineteen-year-old Brian Mugwira was involved in the murder and dismemberment of 17-year-old Motjatji Thoka from Mokomene village, who was reported missing on January 5.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a missing person report was filed at the Botlokwa police station, which prompted the Provincial Missing Person Task Team to take action.
Following a thorough investigation, Motjatji’s remains were discovered on January 8, 2024, in the yard of a residence, with several body parts missing.
Mugwira and his co-accused, Tatenda Sithole, 36, were identified as suspects. Police indicated that Mugwira was found in possession of some of the victim’s remains. Sithole was arrested on January 16, 2024, while Mugwira was captured on January 26, 2024, in the mountains near Ndzelele village.
During the trial, Mugwira pleaded guilty to the murder and received a 22-year sentence, while Sithole pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on June 2, 2025.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Limpopo police commissioner, praised the investigative team for their hard work in bringing the criminals to justice.
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