Ten-Year Sentence for Murder and Immigration Violations in Mpumalanga

Justice was rendered at the Middelburg Regional Court this week when Artur Alberto Sarneto, a 33-year-old originally from Mozambique, was sentenced to a decade in prison for the murder of Bongani Dlamini. The incident, which took place on May 5, 2023, in Belfast, Mpumalanga, followed an altercation between the two men that tragically culminated in Dlamini being stabbed and assaulted.

The case, which was resolved in less than two years, was rigorously investigated by members of the Detective Services in Belfast. The diligence of the investigation was evident as the police were able to track down Sarneto in Lydenburg with assistance from the community and gathered sufficient evidence to prove his culpability in the murder. The sentencing reflects not only the gravity of the homicide but also the efficiency and dedication of the SAPS and the criminal justice system in swiftly bringing offenders to justice.

In a significant reveal during the investigation, it was discovered that Sarneto was in South Africa without valid documentation. Consequently, he faced an additional sentence of two years for the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. The court decreed that Sarneto will be deported back to Mozambique to serve his sentence following this additional prison term.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed his commendation for the collective efforts of the detectives, prosecution team, and judiciary. Their adept work has successfully concluded this case, allowing Bongani Dlamini's family and the community of Belfast some measure of closure.

The sentencing of Sarneto serves as a stern reminder that violent crime coupled with violations of immigration laws carries serious repercussions. It underscores the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served, signaling a renewed effort to address crime within the Mpumalanga province.