South Africa! Enoch Ndou handed life sentence for family massacre which left seven dead, Gauteng suspect arrested after drug laboratory discovery, drugs and equipment worth over R1 million seized, Armed man invaded Limpopo students residence at midnight and raped four girls, Gender-based violence: Woman shot in the abdomen by her ‘friend’ 2025.3.13-3.15

In a significant victory against the illicit drug trade, a collaborative cross-border operation spearheaded by the Western Cape Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) and Head Office Narcotics led to the discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng on Friday.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said the police operation, which dismantled a substantial drug manufacturing operation, resulted in the arrest of a 46-year-old suspect and the seizure of drugs and equipment valued at over R1 million.

Van Wyk, said the success follows an intensive investigation focusing on a wanted suspect connected to a drug dealing case in De Rust, Western Cape. Acting on solid intelligence, a multi-disciplinary team comprising detectives from various branches including Western Cape OCI, Gauteng Narcotics, West Rand K9 Unit, Garden Route District Crime Intelligence, and the Western Cape Drone Unit coordinated their efforts to target locations linked to the suspect.

“The operation led officers to an address in South Crest, Alberton, where a search of the suspect’s premises and vehicle resulted in the seizure of an unlicensed firearm and over 7,000 mandrax tablets worth more than R560,000,” she said.

However, she said the investigation didn’t stop there. Following up on leads, the team moved to a property in Vanderbijlpark, where they uncovered a fully operational drug laboratory.

“Seized items included a tablet press, various chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment, and a quantity of mandrax powder and mandrax tablets with an estimate value of R500,000,” she added.

The arrested suspect is anticipated to make an appearance in court next week, facing serious charges that include possession, dealing, and the manufacturing of drugs.

Convicted multiple murderer, Enoch Ndou, has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus 90 years by the Thohoyandou High Court in Limpopo.

Ndou, a nurse by profession, was found guilty of shooting and killing seven of his family members on Christmas Day in 2021 the Jimmy Jones Village in Malamulele, Limpopo.

The 55-year-old who is not married and does not have children, was handed the sentence on Friday by Judge Thogomelani Tshidada.

The tragic events unfolded during a family dispute over the ownership of the late father’s home, leading Ndou to fatally shoot his relatives in a shocking act of violence.

The victims of this horrific crime included his own family members: Mpho Donald Ndou, 33, Ndivhuwo Douglas Ndou 33, Portia Mabasa, 37, 12-year-old Rendani Winnus Ndou, four-year-old Ronewa Ndou, and 12-month-old Wanga Ndou, while eight-year-old Dakalo Makondo Ndou succumbed to injuries while being rushed to the hospital.

During the sentencing, Judge Tshidada underscored Ndou’s lack of remorse, noting that he never attempted to reach out to the family to apologise for his actions.

The judge explicitly stated, “The 15-year imprisonment sentences imposed on counts two to seven are to run concurrently with the life imprisonment sentence imposed on count one. The accused is therefore sentenced to an effective sentence of life imprisonment.”

The condemnation reflects the court’s response to the gravity of Ndou’s actions, which left an indelible mark on a community reeling from loss.

Furthermore, the court determined that Ndou did not suffer from any mental challenges and had no prior convictions or indications of violent behaviour prior to this tragedy.

As a consequence of his conviction, he has also been declared unfit to hold or possess any firearm or ammunition, in accordance with section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act.

Two men aged 18 and 24 are expected to appear before the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property, four counts of rape, and business robbery committed at a student campus located in Phaphadi village, under the Bolobedu policing area.

The attack on the campus occurred on February 22 at around midnight.

“The suspects were arrested following a joint operation executed by the Mopani tracking team and Tzaneen family violence child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS),” according to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.

On a Saturday night, February 22, an unknown African man intruded into the residential area where female students from one college reside.

“He grabbed eight of them at gunpoint, led four of them into a passage, and ultimately raped them. Afterward, he robbed them of their cellphones before fleeing the scene on foot,” said Mashaba.

The victims reported the matter to the police for further investigations.

On Tuesday, police located one of the suspects at Bellview village. The man was found in possession of one of the mobile phones which were stolen from the college students.

“He was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the possession of the cellphone and was arrested on the spot. Further information led members to another address where the second African male was discovered. Upon searching his house, multiple cellphones and a bank card belonging to one of the victims were found hidden under the bed,” said Mashaba.

The second man was also arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. Both suspects are detained at Bolobedu police station in Limpopo.

Police said mobile phones belonging to the robbed students have been positively identified.

“Police are urging the community around Bolobedu policing area who have lost or were robbed of their cellphones to come forward to identify them or to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Dalton Makhubela on 082 414 6043 or 082 414 2953. They can also visit the Bolobedu police station,” said Mashaba.

Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has applauded the investigating team “for their sterling job in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to book to face the full might of law”.

Last month, IOL reported that a 60-year-old man from Limpopo was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and prolonged abuse of his stepdaughter, following a harrowing trial at the Groblersdal Regional Court.

At the time, Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the court heard that the abuse began in 2001 when the victim was just 11 years old.

A 45-year-old Mpumalanga man, Johannes Khoza has appeared before the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court facing charges of attempted murder as well as for possession of an unlicenced firearm.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said Khoza was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to May 7. Khoza’s first court appearance was on March 3, where he was also remanded in custody.

“According to a (police) report, on Saturday, March 1 2025 at approximately 8:30pm, the victim was at her workplace in Leeuwfontein, Vaalbank, when she was called outside by her ex-male friend. It is further alleged that she was threatened with death by the suspect,” said Ndubane.

“It was during the time when she peeped through the window, when the suspect reportedly shot her in the stomach.”

Thereafter, Khoza fled the scene. The injured woman was then taken to hospital for medical treatment. She has since been discharged from hospital.

A case was opened and following intensive police investigations, Ndubane said a .38 Special revolver, as well as some live ammunition were found in the yard.

The ammunition was wrapped in a cloth hidden under a stone. Khoza was arrested and subsequently charged.

Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed Khoza’s arrest.

He also condemned the acts of violence allegedly displayed by Khoza, adding that the police in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community groups will continue to combat gender-based violence and femicide.