By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 September 2025- The accused, Itumeleng Mogwemang (37) and Neo Potlwane (33), were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for murder. On 9 April 2022, Mogwemang and Potlwane were on duty as security guards at a local supermarket when they caught the deceased, Willem van Der Westhuizen (51) for stealing in the store and assaulted him.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Willem succumbed to his injuries enroute to Robert Mangaliso Sobukhwe Hospital. Sam said the duo were arrested and charged with murder.
“The court found both the accused guilty of murder and sentenced them to 15 years imprisonment and declared them unfit to possess firearms,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, and the provincial management commended the Roodepan General Investigation Unit for securing a sentence. Mphuthi praised the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Vincent Phiri from the Roodepan General Detectives, for his thorough investigative work, which ensured that justice was served for the victim of this contact crime.
“We commend the relentless efforts by detectives in the province, who remain committed and dedicated to ensuring that justice is served for victims of crime,” she said.
The Guardian 