By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (27) was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for stabbing a patron to death in Lefaragatlhe village, outside Tlhabane in Rustenburg. Letlhogonolo Kole stabbed the deceased several times with a sharp object following an argument they had at a tavern on 5 February 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the victim was consequently transported to Bafokeng Health Centre, where he was declared dead on arrival. He said Kole was later arrested and upon being sentenced, the court declared him unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
“In the second and separate incident, the court also handed down direct 15 years imprisonment to Olifilwe Moremi for the murder of his friend. The court heard that the convict was with friends including the victim, Tshwarelo Ditshwene at a tavern when an argument ensued during a dice game in December 2016 at Monakato, near Mogwase.
“It was at that point that Ditshwene and his friend went home, unaware that Moremi was following them. Upon arrival at Ditshwene’s parental house, Moremi attacked the pair with a knife and ultimately stabbed Ditshwene to death,” said Mokgwabone.
He further said the incident was reported to the police, who arrested Moremi shortly after the incident. Mokgwabone added that, after being released on bail, he used a television programme to ask for forgiveness from the family.
“However, he was found guilty and sentenced. In addition to the murder sentence, he was given five years for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). Both sentences are to run concurrently and Moremi was similarly declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded both Investigating Officers, Detective Captain Daniel Koloi and Detective Sergeant Kefilwe Rampete, as well as the Prosecutor, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli who prosecuted both cases for their sterling work that resulted in the convictions.
Kwena indicated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will continue to collaborate to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
The Guardian 