The Makwarela community outside Thohoyandou has welcomed the conviction of former police officer Sergeant Nditsheni Lefty Mphephu, who was found guilty of the premeditated murder of Teith Muthige on Friday, 5 June.
The judgment, delivered after a lengthy court process spanning more than two years, has been described by residents as a victory for justice and a sign that no one is above the law.
Mphephu is expected to return to court on 15 June for sentencing proceedings, when the defence will present mitigating factors.
Among those who followed the case closely is Makwarela Crime Busters chairperson Mr Tovhowani Seemise, who attended proceedings and expressed relief at the outcome.
“We know that this will not bring the late Muthige back, but the conviction brings some sort of relief. Our wish is that he be sentenced to life,” said Seemise.
The case dates back to November 2023, when Mphephu, then attached to the Public Order Policing Unit in Thohoyandou, allegedly played loud music outside his rented home in Makwarela Township. Landlord Teith Muthige reportedly confronted him over the noise, saying it disturbed students preparing for examinations. An argument allegedly followed, during which Mphephu shot Muthige several times. Muthige later died in hospital.
Mphephu was arrested shortly afterwards and initially appeared on a charge of attempted murder, which was later upgraded to murder.
The case was delayed several times over the years. Mphephu was initially denied bail before later being released on R20,000 bail.
At one stage, the case was struck off the roll due to outstanding ballistic evidence, before the State reinstated the prosecution once investigations were completed.
The guilty verdict has renewed confidence among residents who had feared the matter would not reach finality. Community members are now looking ahead to sentencing, hoping the court will impose a punishment that reflects the seriousness of the crime.