EASTERN CAPE – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has welcomed the hefty sentences imposed on Lwandile Aseni (24), Floyd Ayanda Nkohla (35), Zwelakhe Mguzulwa (37) and Furgil Freddie Jaxa (31), who were each sentenced by the Grahamstown High court on Thursday to 25-years direct imprisonment for a March 2017 farm attack in Aberdeen.
Aseni, Mguzulwa and Jaxa illegally gained entry into Makhatees Farm in Aberdeen. Armed with a pistol, they shot the 45-year-old farm owner and assaulted his 14-year-old son with a pipe. The 14-year-old fought back and as a result of the scuffle Aseni, Mguzulwa and Jaxa fled the scene without taking anything from the farm.
The Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks commenced with its investigation and during October 2017 arrested Aseni, Nkohla, Mguzulwa and Jaxa in George. Nkohla was employed at Makhatees Farm during the farm attack. Investigations revealed that he was the one who supplied Aseni, Mguzulwa and Jaxa with information relating to Makhatees Farm.
The four were sentenced to three years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, three-years for house breaking with intent to steal, five-years for attempted robbery, a total of 16-years imprisonment for two counts of attempted murder, six-years imprisonment for unlawful possession of firearm and six-years for unlawful possession of ammunition. Aseni, Nkohla, Mguzulwa and Jaxa will effectively serve 25-years direct imprisonment.
The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, has welcomed the hefty jail sentences and says their conviction and subsequent sentence are consequent to a sterling investigative work by a dedicated team of committed members.
