By BAKANG MOKOTO
Three men who were arrested for killing North West University (Mafikeng campus) Digital Marketing Manager and socialite, Junior Sam Mbatha, were sentenced to life imprisonment each by the North West High Court sitting in Ga-rankuwa.
Author Khonza (22), Nkuna Mahlatsi (24) and Thatho Masetla (25) were also sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years for kidnapping, 10 years for malicious damage to property and 7 years for defeating the ends of justice. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West,
Sivenathi Gunya said that all sentences will run concurrently with the sentence of life imprisonment imposed on count number one.
Gunya said the incident occurred in Phutha Section, near Klipgat on 16 June 2021. He further said through the intensive investigation by the police following reports of missing Mbatha, three accused were linked to his murder.
“Mbatha went missing and was last seen in a local tavern with Masetla. During the trial, the court heard that the police found bloodstains on the floor, on top of the bed, as well as on the carpet in the house, where Masetla was residing.
“The court heard that an axe was found on top of the roof, where bloodstains were discovered and the axe was used during the commission of this gruesome act. The body of the deceased was found inside a Hyundai 120 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section,” he said.
Gunya said Mbatha was burnt beyond recognition. He added that the DNA samples assisted the investigating team to easily identify the burnt body and it was identified as Mbatha.
In aggravation of sentence, the Advocate Nangamso Goloda said: “The sentences that should be imposed must be fit to their brutal savage. The accused did not only kill the deceased, they burnt him to ashes and took away his dignity whilst he was alive.
“All three accused participated in this brutal murder with a common purpose, so they must be sentenced to nothing less than a life sentence.”
Meanwhile, the DPP in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the good work done by the police, state prosecutors and other role players. Makhari welcomed the sentence and believed that it will send a strong message to anyone out there who thinks that they can easily get away with crime.
The Guardian 