Tebogo Msimanga |
The murder case against Mamokgethe Gertrude Mashimbi (41), Thandi Margaret Khumalo (38), William Maluleka (32), Nicholas Malope (35) and Jan Chauke (28), appeared before the North West High Court.
The five are being charged with the murder of Thomas Mashimbi, a former police officer who was married to Mamokgethe Mashimbi. The five are further charged with two counts of conspiracy or incitement to commit murder, housebreaking with intent to kill, murder with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, fraud on accused one only and perjury on accused one only.
NPA spokesperson in North West Henry Mamothame said police investigations reveal that between 07- 24, January 2018, Gertrude approached two individuals, now state witnesses, and incited them to commit a planned robbery at their marital home in Lebanon, near Winterveldt.
“The two failed to commit to the proposition but reported the matter to the police. She then approached Khumalo, who arranged a meeting with the other three accused. Reports reveal that meetings were conducted between 07-24 February 2018, to plot the execution of the plan to murder Mashimbi”.
Mamothame added that on 21 February 2018, Gertrude allegedly ensured that the gates and kitchen door were not properly closed to facilitate entry into the premises. It is further alleged that she went to the police on 10 November 2017, and complained that her husband was abusing her, thus requesting a protection order.
“It is alleged that on 21 February 2018, Maluleka, Malope and Chauke entered the house and shot at the deceased, subsequently escaping the scene with two cellphones, a tv set and money estimated at R20 000”.
Mamothame further said it is alleged that Gertrude and two of their children were in the house when the plan unfolded, and she was unharmed during the commissioning of the crime. They were all arrested between 18 and 19 September 2019. The trial is set to sit until Friday, 13 January 2023, and the state is expected to call more of its witnesses.
