Man handcuffed in a jail cell. Wellington Sibanda and his brother Zimani have been sentenced to life imprisonment, plus an additional 62 years and two months for the brutal murder of Okon Donatis in Johannesburg.
Image: File
The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has handed down a heavy sentence to 50-year-old Wellington Sibanda and his brother Zimani Sibanda, 45, for their role in the gruesome murder of 42-year-old Okon Donatis in Johannesburg.
“The duo has been sentenced to life imprisonment, plus an additional 62 years and two months in prison each. The sentences come after they were found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of robbery with aggravated circumstances, attempted murder, assault with grievous bodily harm and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,” said Phindi Mjonondwane, Gauteng spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Investigations by Sergeant Moshe Mamovha revealed that in September 2022, Donatis and a friend visited a restaurant in Johannesburg.
“A group of armed males attacked the security guard, entered the restaurant and robbed the customers. The deceased was shot twice before the perpetrators could be intercepted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers, who were summoned to the scene by the security guard,” said Mjonondwane.
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A shootout ensued and one JMPD officer was shot, resulting in permanent disability.
She said some of the assailants fled the scene but were apprehended in a nearby abandoned building. They were found in possession of stolen items and firearms.
Regional Court Prosecutor, Charlotte Lutchmiah presented overwhelming evidence in court pleading with the Magistrate to consider the gravity of the charges and impose the prescribed minimum sentence on the accused. The NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of such matters that affect the safety and well-being of our communities to ensure justice for victims of crime.
Wellington Sibanda and his brother Zimani have been sentenced to life imprisonment, plus an additional 62 years and two months for the brutal murder of Okon Donatis in Johannesburg.
Image: File
Earlier on Wednesday, IOL reported that police in Gauteng have launched a manhunt for armed assailants after an off duty police officer was shot and killed in Mabopane.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the police officer was killed on Monday afternoon.
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