By OBAKENG MAJE
Six people were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for murder. Fanie Maphonkolo (29), Tumelo Masisi (37), Neo Lebeloane (29), Aupa Mosesi (35), Goitsemang Khunou (28) and Esrom Mafoko (42), were also sentenced to further 10 years for an attempted murder.
The North West Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the conviction of the accused persons emanated from an incident that occurred at Ramokala village on 27 December 2018, where Andries Mabula and Mogomotsi Mojela were taken from their homes to a bus stop and brutally assaulted by community members.
“They accused them of having been paid R3000 to kill Maphonkolo and Masisi. The two sustained serious injuries from the ordeal and they were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Mojela later succumbed to his injuries.
“The surviving victim had to be relocated to another province as a result of the threats made towards him prior to the commencement of the trial. The court ordered that, five years from the attempted murder charge should run concurrently with the 15 years,” said Mamothame.
He further said this means, the accused persons will serve an effective twenty years of direct imprisonment.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, William Lebelo urged the court to impose a sentence befitting to the crime and one that will send a strong message that members of the community should report all crimes to authorities and not take matters into their own hands.
In imposing the sentence, Magistrate Herbert Modiba agreed with the state and remarked that the accused violated the deceased’ right to life, the surviving victim’s right to bodily integrity and security, and his right to be free from being subjected to violence.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded Warrant Officer Molefe and William Lebelo for their collaboration leading to the conviction. They urged members of the public not to take the law into their own hands but to report crimes to authorities.
TaungDailyNews 