The North West High Court on Tuesday handed down heavy sentences to six men for murder, kidnapping, car hijacking and defeating the ends of justice.
Ali Banda, 55, Thabang Masiane, 28, and Tshepiso Mqoma, 29, were sentenced to 15 years for aggravated robbery, five years for defeating the ends of justice and five years for kidnapping.
Kagiso Morutlwa, 28, Solomon Lambane, 57 and Thabang Mokoka, 31, were sentenced to 15 years for aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
Police spokesperson Captain Aafje Botma said the six men were sentenced for the kidnapping and murder of Koketso Ntsimane, 37.
Missing person case
Botma said according to evidence, Ntsimane went missing on October 27, 2021 in Mapaputle village outside Mogwase, Rustenburg.
“Although Ntsimane’s motor vehicle was also stolen, it was later recovered, subsequent to investigation into the matter.
“The suspects were arrested on December 7 and 8 2021. Further investigation into the matter led to the discovery of Ntsimane’s badly decomposed body in the bushes at Mapaputle village,” Botma said.
Botma further stated that the accused’s bail applications were opposed.
“Thus, they have been in custody since their arrest,” Botma added.
Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena and Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation team for their collaboration that resulted in the conviction.
The team was led by Captain Lefty Motswadi of Mogwase detectives, Advocate Baitsi Chulu and Advocate Dibuseng Ntsala.
They said the sentences will send a clear message that those who commit crime will not be tolerated.
High crime rate in SA
South Africa is known as a country with high rates of violence, including murder rape, gender-based-violence and robbery.
This has put the country at the top of international lists of the most violent countries, something that may scare off investors and tourists.
According to statistics delivered by Police Minister Bheki Cele earlier this year, the country saw a 62% increase in murders between April 2011 and March 2022.
The statistics also showed that during the first three months of 2023 there was an average of 70 murders daily.
