Pic: (Prisoner’s cell)
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A 43-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the North West High Court in Vryburg on Wednesday. Orapeleng Patrick Ratilodi who resides in Cokonyane village in Taung shot and killed the driver of Sasko bakery, Onalenna Moreothata during an armed robbery back in 2018.
It was reported that, on 10 September 2018, Ratilodi and his accused, Obakeng Vaaltyn who is from Magogong village in Taung visited a local supermarket in Mogopela B where they bought a cool drink. According to information, the duo was sitting outside the supermarket when one of them inquired about the arrival time of the bakery from the owner of the supermarket who is of a foreign nation.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafje Botma said: “Moreothata and his assistant were busy preparing the order for the shop when Ratilodi and Vaaltyn suddenly pointed them with a firearm. The accused shot and killed Moreothata during the confrontation.
“The court heard that the accused searched the truck and robbed an undisclosed amount of money. Furthermore, the accused fled the scene in a red BMW. After a thorough investigation and information received from witnesses, the suspects were arrested and the red BMW was seized.”
Botma said Vaaltyn was later acquitted in court due to a lack of evidence against him. However, she said Ratilodi was found guilty on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“The accused was sentenced to 20 years for murder, 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years’ imprisonment for pointing of a firearm. The court also ordered that the five years imposed on count two should run concurrent with count one, therefore, Ratilodi was effectively sentenced to 25 years imprisonment,” said Botma.
Meanwhile, acting North West police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe welcomed the sentence handed down to Ratilodi. Molefe applauded the investigating officer, Sergeant Phemelo Seothaeng of Pudimoe Detectives and all other roles players including prosecution for their diligence in ensuring that the accused gets maximum sentence.
“This will serve as a warning to those who commit crime, including murder, that they will do the time in jail,” said Molefe.
The Guardian 