BY REGINALD KANYANE

TWO men were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder on Thursday. Papiki Motabogi (27) and Maiuane Paulino Romao (44) were arrested for the murder of Ronel Van Ek. They appeared before North West High Court in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

Motabogi and Ramao killed a 49 year-old farmer in Hartbeesfontein in August 2012. Van Ek was entering her farm when she was attacked. The suspects pointed her with a firearm and robbed her hand bag and undisclosed amount of money, two cellphones and a hand gun.

 North West police spokesperson, Captain Paul Ramaloko said: “Motabogi and Romao attempted to steal Van Ek’s vehicle, but the police found it few meters away from the crime scene. The police followed the lead that assisted in tracking the suspects. On August 19 last year, Motabogi was arrested in Wolmaransstad for a separate case he committed. Police’s preliminary investigations linked him to the Hartbeesfontein farm murder,”

Ramaloko said a Mozambique man, who was a second accused in the matter, fled to Gauteng. He was subsequently arrested on December 15 last year.

“They were both charged with murder and robbery. Motabogi was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for robbery. Romao was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for robbery, four years for possession of firearm and one year for possession of ammunitions. All the years will run concurrently.” he said.

The acting provincial commissioner, Major General Job Tsumane welcomed the sentencing. He said the sentencing will send a clear message to criminals.

“We have no doubt that the sentence will send a clear message that police will deal effectively with those who commit crime. We commend the team of dedicated members who made it possible to secure the conviction. Together with other role players, we will continue to ensure that those who transgress the law are dealt with accordingly.” he said.

-TDN

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