By OBAKENG MAJE
Four illegal miners were sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp for killing Joseph Lebone Maputla. According to evidence heard before court, Maputla (44) and his family were attacked at their house in Chris Hani Street, Extension 8 in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein on 23 August 2018.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the atrocity took place in the early hours of the morning. Myburgh further said Maputla tried to flee, but sustained multiple injuries on his head.
“His wife was also assaulted and their house was ransacked. On arrival at the scene, the police found Maputla unconscious in the yard of a neighbour and he was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The motive of this attack was for a rival group of illegal miners to secure a bigger mining territory.
“Excellent investigations by Warrant Officer Etienne Fourie of Khuma Detectives lead to the arrest of five suspects. With further assistance of Me Leanne Veldskoen, the State Prosecutor, the accused were sentenced accordingly. Matla Shea (45) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property,” she said.
Myburgh further said, Lebitso Thapelo Shea (35) was also sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, five years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property.
She added that Peete Shea (30) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property.
“Ramatlad Mabae Phooko (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property, while Lubabalo Godfrey Sihluku (35) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property.
“Accused 1-4 was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, Act No. 60 of 2000,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Rachel Makhari welcome the life terms handed down to four illegal miners.
The Guardian 