By Obakeng Maje

Mmabatho-The North West Provicial Commissioner Lieutenant  General  Zukiswa Mbombo congratulates the team that worked tiredlessly to ensure that the murder accused of Ivy Ketlagomang Molefe are brought to book.

 

This is after the sentencing of the four accused:  Penny Tatushe (43 years), Elizabeth Mosweu (49 years), Klaas Molefe (57 years) and Thabo Thamaga (26 years) on charges of kidnapping, murder and robbery. 

 

One of the accused (Klaas Molefe) is the husband to the victim. The four were sentenced on Friday at Mahikeng High Court.

 

“Penny Tatushe (43 years) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for kidnaping, 22 years imprisonment for murder and 12 years imprisonment for robbery” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

 

Elizabeth Mosweu , Klaas Molefe and Thabo Thamaga were sentenced to:

 

 

 

•10 years imprisonment each  (Count 1: kidnapping )

 

•Life sentence imprisonment  (Count 2: murder )

 

•15 years imprisonment each  (Count 3: Robbery)

 

Judge Gurga ordered that count 1 and 3 will run concurrently with count 2.

 

“According to evidence led before court, Ivy Molefe went to work as usual on the 14 March 2012 and never returned home that day. Subsequent to that, the following day her husband (Klaas Molefe) reported her missing at Mmabatho Police Station” Ngubane said. 

 

The police launched a massive manhunt assisted by the community in conjunction with other stakeholders such as clerics and traditional healers.

 

After thorough investigations the four were arrested and on the 06 April 2012 and appeared at the Mmabatho Magistrate Court on the 10 April 2012. 

 

“An attempt by the four accused to apply for bail was dismissed.  It is during this period that the accused number four (Thabo Thamaga) made a confession before the Magistrate and pointed out the crime scene where the body of the late Ivy Molefe was found in a decomposed state” he said.

 

Provicial Commissioner Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo said the sentencing on the case was appropriate as this will send a clear message that crime does not pay. 

 

She further cautioned that the sentencing will deter others who are thinking of committing similar crime.

 

She has however, applauded and commended the police investigating team lead by Lieutenant Colonel Moraka and the judiciary in bringing the matter to finality in 15 months.-TDN

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