By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 December 2024- Four men who killed a well-known Egyptian Business Manager, Khalil Lofty Ghazy, sentenced to 25 years by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Springbok. On 1 February 2021, Ditiro Brooks (28), Rapaleng Brooks (27), Kgagamatso Mokoding (42), and Ohentse Bless (30), from Kuruman, executed a well-orchestrated robbery.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, armed with firearms, they confronted Ghazy, robbing him of R122 500 before fatally shooting him. Senokoatsane said the perpetrators fled the scene in a rented white German Sedan, heading toward Okiep, a settlement near Springbok.
“They hid in the tavern of one of the accused, the late Thamsanqa Khauma. Swift action by the police led to their arrest. The stolen money was recovered and the firearms were found in the vehicle’s boot.
“The fourth accused, Ohentse Bless, was apprehended at a roadblock in Kathu, 40km from Kuruman. The court denied them bail and they remained in custody until sentencing” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the accused persons received 25 years for murder under Section 51(1) of Act 105 of 1997. He added that 18 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances under Section 51(2) of Act 105 of 1997.
“They were also sentenced to 5 years each for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The sentences for robbery, firearm, and ammunition charges, will run concurrently with the murder sentence.
“This results in an effective 30 years of direct imprisonment,” said Senokoatsane.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DDPP), advocate Johannes Cloete, led the state’s case. The trial showcased meticulous investigative work, including detailed tracking of the accused’s movements across three provinces using advanced technological tools.
Cloete said evidence from CCTV footage, including video of the robbery and murder. He said testimonies from numerous witnesses, including the victim’s friend and countryman, who shared the devastating impact of the crime on Ghazy’s family in Egypt.
In aggravation of sentencing, Cloete emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime, highlighting the accused’s callousness and disregard for human life.
“The court found no mitigating circumstances to warrant a reduced sentence, agreeing with the State’s plea for a stringent penalty. The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring justice for victims and advocating for harsher sentences for violent crimes that threaten community safety,” he said.
The Guardian 