UGANDAN MAN SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE IMPRISONMENT TERMS FOR GRUESOME MURDER OF COUPLE IN REVENGE ATTACK
POLOKWANE The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed the meticulous investigation of Detectives at SAPS Northan in Waterberg District, following the hefty sentence of two life imprisonment handed down to Ugandan national accused Sulaiman Kamya(29) for the brutal murder of a couple in what has been determined as a revenge attack.
On 04 January 2019, the charred remains of Joshua Mutaasa (38) and his wife Rita(43) were discovered at their residence in Wildebeeslaagte, Northam.The investigations revealed that the couple had been violently attacked with a sharp object, and the perpetrator thereafter set alight the house. It was also established that the deceased’s silver BMW sedan was stolen.
The investigation team followed possible leads to Rustenburg, North West, where the accused was tracked down on the same date. A break through came when the cellphone of one of the deceased was found at the suspect’s house together with blood-stained trousers already soaked in water. Thorough investigations revealed the location of the vehicle at a local scrapyard where the vehicle’s details were supposed to be changed. The vehicle was seized, and further investigations led the team to an open field where additional clothes and some properties belonging to the male deceased were found. The accused, Sulaiman Kamya, was charged with two counts of murder and house robbery.
Evidence presented during the trial established that the murders were premeditated and carried as an act of revenge.
The accused wanted to buy the couple’s vehicle and made an agreement that he would pay the money in installments, and only when he had paid the full amount would he be able to take the vehicle. The accused paid a portion of the money, but at a later stage, requested the money back, as he could no longer afford to settle the outstanding amount.The victims told him he would get the money later, but the accused became aggressive and forcefully moved into their home, demanding the cash back. He then killed the couple and set their house alight. He also stole some properties, including the vehicle involved in the dispute.
The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Thabiso Seshoka, and he successfully opposed bail until the convict was ultimately sentenced to two life terms and additional 15 years for house robbery on Wednesday, 22 May 2024 by the Modimolle Regional Court
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe stated: “The sentencing of the accused serves as a stern warning that such brutal acts of violence will not be tolerated in our society.Our police officers remain dedicated to working tirelessly to prevent such tragedies and to bring those responsible for criminal activities to justice,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
