The Senior Management of the South African Police Service in Eastern Cape has welcomed the two life sentences handed down to child murderer and rapist, Andile Mbele (42), who was sentenced in the Gqeberha High Court on Monday, October 31.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso has welcomed the two life sentences handed down to Mbele for raping and murdering Aqhama Tom (9), as well as five years for kidnapping her in Hankey two years ago.
“Even though this sentence will never bring back Aqhama’s life, it would bring solace to her family and to the community of Hankey,” said Kupiso.
According to police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, the court heard a watertight case presented by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Humansdorp, which led to the conviction and sentencing of Mbele for murder, rape, and kidnapping.
“Mbele was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and another life imprisonment for raping Tom, and was also sentenced to five year imprisonment for a charge of kidnapping,” said Nkohli.
He said this comes after the High Court heard that Mbele kidnapped Aqhama on Sunday, 13 September, 2020.
Nkohli said the following day, Mbele was arrested and later led the police to the scene in Weston, Hankey, where he pointed out Aqhama’s body.
“The evidence that was presented by the detectives ranging from forensic to oral evidence led to the accused’s conviction and subsequent sentencing on Monday, October 31. The sentences will run concurrently,” said Nkohli.
