By OBAKENG MAJE
Five accused persons were sentenced to a combined 115 by the Gauteng North High Court in Pretoria for kidnapping, robbery aggravating and murder on 26 January 2024. In October 2020, Lebogang Tshabalala (29), Everjoy Sibanda (20), Lucky Motholo (25), Kagiso Matlhabe (22) and Kamogelo Modise (23) kidnapped and killed Neo Modubu (34).
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said Modubu’s parents, reported him missing in Brits on 28 October 2020 after he failed to return from Crocodile Mine, where he worked. Mokgwabone further said the missing person’s body was found three days later with hands tied at the back.
“A murder case was registered at Mooinooi Police Station for investigation. In conjunction with PPS security officers, the investigator managed to piece together evidence and that led to the arrest of four of the five accused in Brits and Oukasie Location between 19 and 20 December 2020.
“After PPS security officers spotted a white Toyota Avanza on 19 December 2020, which the accused used to commit the crimes. The accused made several appearances in the Brits Magistrate’s Court until their case was transferred to the High Court,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mokgwabone added that the fifth accused, Kamogelo Modise was later arrested in Diepsloot and joined his co-accused on 1 February 2022. He said Lebogang Tshabalala, Everjoy Sibanda, and Lucky Motholo were acquitted on a charge of murder.
“However, all five accused were found guilty of kidnapping and robbery aggravating. Kagiso Matlhabe and Kamogelo Modise were also found guilty of murder. As a result, all accused were each given three years imprisonment for kidnapping.
“Furthermore, four of them were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery aggravating, while Lucky Motholo got 10 years for the same offense. Regarding the murder, Kagiso Matlhabe and Kamogelo Modise were each given 15 years imprisonment,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded Sgt Leornard Mapataka for his meticulous investigation that resulted in the sentencing of five accused to a combined 115 years imprisonment. Kwena also lauded the prosecutor, advocate Salome Scheepers, and PPS security officers for their hard work and cooperation to ensure that justice is served.
“The sentences will indeed serve as a warning that crime does not pay,” he said.
The Guardian 