John Elvis Hlongwane sentenced to 12 years in prison for the murder of Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane.
MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
VENTERSDORP – The Ventersdorp Magistrates' Court has sentenced John Elvis Hlongwane (30) to 12 years in prison for the murder of Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane, a police officer attached to Kimberley Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). READ MORE HERE
Hlongwane was convicted alongside Tshepo Sthembiso Molaba (33) and Thabiso Gladwin Phendela (30), who were also found guilty on related charges. The court heard that Diphephenyane was hijacked in Klerkskraal, robbed of his state vehicle, cellphone, and money, and later strangled to death, with his body found dumped next to a road.
The sentencing is as follows:
Hlongwane received 12 years for murder.
Molaba was sentenced to 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Phendela was given four years for defeating the administration of justice.
All three men were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The arrests in July 2023 followed an intensive investigation led by a multidisciplinary team, including the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, and provincial detectives from North West and Northern Cape. The suspects were tracked down in Boikhutsong (Ventersdorp), Vosloorus, and Brakpan (Gauteng).
Authorities have welcomed the sentencing, with acting North West Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, "have lauded the investigation and prosecution team for working tirelessly to ensure that the accused face the full might of the law," the statement said.
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