Career criminal Thabiso Mojapelo who was out on parole has been sentenced to life behind bars for killing his friend.
Mojapelo, 37, stabbed his friend 35 times during a dispute over the share of spoils after a criminal act. The duo had committed a crime the day before the incident and were supposed to share profits of the crime.
Mojapelo, 37, was found guilty of brutally killing his friend by the Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Tuesday.
According to the state, on April 18 2022, Mojapelo went to Riverpark home of his deceased friend to confront him about his share and a fight ensued.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said after the argument, Mojapelo fetched a knife from the deceased’s kitchen and stabbed him.
“He concealed the knife in his jacket and the argument continued. The accused took out the knife and stabbed the deceased more than 35 times, all over his body. Mojapelo covered the deceased body with a blanket to conceal it,” said Mjonondwane.
Mojapelo stole the deceased’s belongings and his vehicle and fled the scene.
“The items and the vehicle stolen were valued at approximately R400 000. While the incident was happening, the deceased’s grandmother was sleeping in her bedroom.
“The accused handed himself over to the police and pleaded guilty to all charges in court,” Mjonondwane added.
The court further found out that the accused was not a first-time offender as he had served time in jail for theft, robbery and rape in the past.
Murderer was out on parole
He was out on parole for robbery with aggravating circumstances and rape when he committed murder.
On top of his life term sentence, he was given 10 years for theft.
The NPA said: “We hope that this sentence will send a clear message that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in our communities.”
