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Killer’
metro cop sent for observation
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A JOBURG metro police officer accused of killing his girlfriend and
her male friend in Soweto last year will be placed under observation at the
Sterkfontein Mental Hospital.
The officer, Simphiwe Mbatha, has been in custody since December. Mbatha yesterday appeared in the Johannesburg High Court, sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, before he was transferred to Krugersdorp Prison, where a psychiatrist will start assessing him. A trial date for his case was set for January 27. His defence team brought forward an application to have him booked for an assessment, stating that he suffered from a non-pathological criminal incapacity condition, an acceptable legal defence. This means he was overwhelmed by emotions and anger to such an extent that he was not aware of what he was doing when he committed the crime. Mbatha is facing two charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and malicious injury to property. It is alleged the metro officer used his service pistol to shoot and kill his girlfriend, Elaine Lenong, on December 29 in Phase 1 Bramfischerville. Earlier that day, the couple had an argument at Lenong’s workplace at about 7pm. When he arrived, Mbatha allegedly fired a shot towards Makhosazana Mkhonza’s car, in which Lenong was a passenger at the time. He is alleged to have grabbed Lenong and forced her into his vehicle before driving off to his residence. Mbatha then allegedly turned the pistol towards Tumelo Michael Thosago, who was among Lenong’s family who had arrived at Mbatha’s home shortly after the alleged kidnapping. Mbatha is also accused of shooting six-year-old Banele Mngomeni, who lives across the road. He is alleged to have shot him while he was chasing Lenong. Banele was shot in the leg. By Kutlwano Olifant - kutlwano.olifant@inl.co.za The Star 14/11/13 Early Edition |
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Crimes of the South African Police Service
