By: The Youth Voice Reporter
Bushbuckridge- A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for murder and attempted murder following a violent stabbing incident in Acornhoek in 2023.Kutullo Sipho Sekgobela was recently sentenced by the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela. The court heard that on the night of 7 April 2023, at about 22:00, Sekgobela was in the company of three other people , a man and two women, as they were returning from a tavern at Gamureku in Acornhoek.
During the evening, Sekgobela allegedly assaulted his female companion.When 40-year-old Jetro Mashile attempted to intervene, Sekgobela stabbed him in the chest with a knife, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness. Mashile’s female companion was also stabbed in the arm during the altercation. Both victims were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment. Mashile later succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead in hospital.
Police opened a case and launched an investigation which eventually led to Sekgobela being traced and arrested in Gauteng on 28 October 2024. He was subsequently charged with murder and attempted murder.Sekgobela was convicted on both counts and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for murder and a further three years for attempted murder, bringing the total sentence to 18 years’ imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commisioner, Major General Mkhwanazi praised the investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary for their collaborative efforts, saying their dedication ensured justice was served for the victims and their families.
