EASTERN CAPE - CRADOCK COURT SENTENCES MAN TO LIFE INPRISONMENT AFTER VICTIM'S BODY FOUND IN FISH RIVER WITH MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS

On 2020-09-18, a 32 year old murder and robbery accused was sentenced in the Cradock Regional Court for murder and robbery.

On 28 February 2018, the body of Thembikile James Klaas (53) was retrieved from the Fish river with sustained multiple stab wounds. Klaas was reported missing a few days prior to police finding his body.

On 2020-03-04, Klaas’s white Mazda 323 sedan was spotted and recovered by the Grahamstown Flying Squad on the N2 road between Grahamstown and Seven Fountains. 

The accused ran away and was arrested on 2018-03-05. He was positively linked to the murder of Klaas as well as the hijacking of his vehicle. 

While awaiting his court appearance, he escaped from custody.

On 2018-04-24, the investigating officer D/Const Siya Ntsimango re-arrested him in Fort Beaufort. On 2020-09-18, Lazola Thembelani Ndulula was found guilty and sentenced as follows:

Murder - life imprisonment,

Robbery - 15 years imprisonment and

Escape from lawful custody - 3 years imprisonment.

The sentences of robbery and escape from lawful custody will run concurrent with the life sentence.

via - SAPS