By OBAKENG MAJE  

Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder by the North West High Court sitting in the Klerksdorp. Three men, Thabo Thakampana (29), Katleho Ramuthalane (33) and the third suspect who is still at large, kidnapped and shot dead David Mahlapa Sekhola on 14 April 2019 in Klerksdorp.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, three men were drinking at a local tavern in Kanana Township, however, they decided to go and drink in Klerksdorp CBD.

“So, they then requested David Mahlapa Sekhola, who was operating a public transport service in Kanana to go and drop them in town and agreed to pay R150. Sekhola was with two friends at the time, Mthakathi January Vicane and Fezile Kraai.

“Along the way, the three decided to disembark near Vaal Maseru Bus Depot. In his confession statement, Ramuthalane alleges that upon stopping the vehicle, Thakamphana shot Sekhola in the head and they started to rob him and his friends,” Mamothame said.

Ramutlhalane said they took the victims belonging including the deceased’s Kingdom of Lesotho driving licence, keys, wallet with cash, USB dongles and a cellphone. He further confessed that, he removed Sekhola from the vehicle and kidnapped his friends.

Mamothame said the convicts drove off to an unknown location and two kidnapped occupants, Vicane and Kraai managed to escape when the vehicle approached the railway section.

He said they then ran back to the crime scene where Sokhela was shot dead and found the police already there.

“They subsequently reported the incident and a search was conducted. The vehicle was traced through its tracking device and found at a house in Bophelong location in Vanderbilt Park. Thakampana was arrested while Ramuthalane and the third suspect managed to outrun the police.

“However, Ramuthalane was apprehended in Kanana Township the following day. Thakampana was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, fifteen years in each of the charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years for kidnapping, seven years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and three years for possession of ammunition,” said Mamothame.

According to court, the sentences will run concurrently. Thakampana was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Ramuthalane pleaded guilty to robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping. He was sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for the offence and five years for kidnapping.

Mamothame said the court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

“The two sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The court also ordered that the one year eleven months he stayed in police custody while awaiting trial be factored into his jail term,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thakampana pleaded not guilty to all charges and his trial was separated. In aggravation of sentence, Adv Benny Kalakgosi urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, equalling life imprisonment.

Judge Andre Pietersen indicated that the courts have a responsibility to promote respect for the law through appropriate sentencing. He described Thakampana as a remorseless individual, whose nefarious action brought enormous devastation to the family of the deceased, as well as the two surviving victims.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded Kalakgosi and Warrant Officer, Menzile Sokhwemba for securing a favourable conviction on all charges.

“Serious and violent crimes need to be rooted out of our communities and we hope this conviction will demonstrate the seriousness in which the criminal justice system intends to deal with such offences,” she said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The wounded Banyana Banyana will try to redeem themselves when they face Australia in a friendly international match to be played in London next month. This will be historical as the two sides will be crossing swords for the very first time ever.

This encounter comes just days after the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana hosted eight-time Copa América Femenina winners Brazil in two friendly internationals played in Johannesburg and Durban.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said, this match is part of her team’s preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Ellis further said her players will get a chance to test themselves against the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts in a potentially mouth-watering encounter in London on 8 October 2022.

“We are excited to be playing against another top side so soon after facing Brazilians. Australia is the co-host of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand. So, this gives us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge ourselves.

“It is another opportunity for improved performance and for players to raise their hands. We want to thank South African Football Association (SAFA) and SASOL for getting us strong opponents in our preparations for the World Cup. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha said: “We are happy that Banyana Banyana will be travelling to London to participate in another international friendly, where they will face the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host, Australia.

“Australia is currently ranked 12^th in the world and we know they are a formidable team that will push our squad to dig deeper, even though is a friendly match. Banyana Banyana needs all the game time possible ahead of the World Cup – we know that coach Des and the technical team are working tirelessly to ensure the players are well prepared.”

Mbatha said they will continue to encourage the team to seize every opportunity presented to them and wish them all the best. She said Banyana Banyana will play their hearts out knowing that all South Africans are behind them.

Banyana Banyana had an eventful 2022 as they became WAFCON champions after beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the continental tournament final in Rabat in July.

Ellis was named Women’s Coach of the Year at the 2022 CAF Awards also in July. It was the third consecutive time that she has won the award.

Andile Dlamini won the Goalkeeper of the Year Award, while Banyana Banyana was named the National Women Team of the Year. To put the cherry on top, Ellis’ charges were also named the Fair Play Team.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Two illegal immigrants were convicted by Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for unlawful possession of precious metals on 9 September 2022. Samuel Bandi (30) and Hardlife Makoto (28) were arrested by mine security guards outside the Rustenburg mine.

They were found to be in possession of platinum that they had stolen from the mining pipeline. The Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Hawks were roped into the investigation.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “Both accused made their first appearance at the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court, where they were remanded in custody owing to their illegal status in the country.

“They then made a series of court appearances until they were each sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment years for unlawful possession of precious metals, of which two years were suspended for five.”

Rikhotso said Makoto and Bandi were further sentenced to twelve months’ direct imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act. She said, therefore, convicts will each serve five years’ effective jail term.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 48-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the North West High Court in Klerksdorp for killing his daughter (2). On 13 May 2021, Mokete Legodi went to his girlfriend’s home in Extension 20, Jouberton Township, in Klerksdorp and took their daughter without the mother’s consent, who was admitted to hospital at the time.

The family members who were taking care of the child assumed that Legodi would bring her back as he usually does, but later upon inquiry, he denied taking the child. The following day, the mother of the child was discharged from the hospital and embarked on a searching spree along with other family members, however, the results were futile.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, the matter was reported to the police and a missing person case was opened. Furthermore, Mamothame said, the investigations by the police led to the arrest of Legodi on 16 May 2021 and charged with kidnapping.

“This comes after he failed to tell the police about the child’s whereabouts. On 17 May 2021, the neighbours felt a bad smell coming out of Legodi’s house in Alabama Township, Klerksdorp. 

“Together with the child’s cousin, the neighbours investigated and searched the house. They discovered a lifeless body of a missing daughter concealed with a black plastic bag inside the ceiling,” Mamothame said. 

He added: “Subsequently, Legodi was charged with murder, but in his defence, he argued that he and the child fell while he was carrying her. Legodi said upon realising that his daughter had succumbed to the injuries from the fall, he panicked and was afraid to report the incident to the police,” Mmamothame said.

Legodi also told the court that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The murder charge was reversed to become a culpable homicide.

“Legodi was also sentenced to four years for defeating the ends of justice. The sentence should run concurrently with the three-year sentence, resulting in six years of direct imprisonment. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal the sentence was dismissed,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, Adv Riekie Krause argued that, Legodi could have reported the matter to the police and sought help from neighbours and emergency services, however, he opted for the worst.

Judge Andre Pietersen, agreed with the state and further indicated that the community scowls over such offences. Pietersen also highlighted that, such incidents leave undesired psychological and emotional consequences within the family of the deceased.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded the prosecutor and the investigating officer for their collaboration.

“This sentence signifies the need for parents to be the first line of protection for their children. It further teaches us the importance of reporting the crimes to authorities, no matter how difficult it may seem,” she concluded.

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