The Thohoyandou High Court sentenced Humbulani Mudau (22) of Mulenzhe to one life sentence and an additional 34 years for crimes ranging from murder to attempted murder and robberies.

During the trial, the court heard that, on 10 January this year, at about 16:30, a 21-year-old male was drinking liquor with his friend at Mulenzhe Bar Lounge, when Mudau came in and demanded money at knife point. When the victim ran away, the suspect tracked him down and robbed him of R200.

In another incident, on February 3, the suspect confronted his ex-girlfriend at Thohoyandou shopping centre and demanded sex. When she refused, he dragged her and stabbed her in both hands and the left breast. She bled profusely and regained consciousness in hospital.

It was also alleged that on February 6, at about 18:30, in the Thohoyandou shopping centre, Mudau confronted a 22-year-old female who was on her way home, and demanded her hand bag. Upon her refusal, a struggle ensued and he stabbed her several times; she died at the scene. He then took her hand bag, which contained a cell phone and her identity document.

On count 1 of robbery, Mudau was sentenced to 10 years. On another count of robbery, he was sentenced to 15 years and on another count of attempted murder, he received 9 years and finally, on the murder charge, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.