Mbopha’s ‘brother’ Motsumi welcomes life term
ALEXANDRA – Motsumi says Mbopha's killer, as also indicated by the magistrate in her judgment, was nothing but a hired gun.
The jailing for life of the killer of prominent Alex businessman Mbopha Mashigo may not bring back his life but childhood friend and ‘brother’ Mpho Motsumi welcomed the sentence.
“I am happy justice has finally prevailed, though listening to the Regional Court magistrate outline the circumstances around the killing reopened the old wound for some of us. We nevertheless welcome the harshest sentence imposed,” Motsumi, president of Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Galxcoc) told Alex News in an interview.
Mashigo was gunned down at his corner shop on 3rd Avenue and Rev Sam Buti Street on New Year’s Eve in 2017. Motsumi described the killer as an ‘assassin hired to execute the job for which he has been jailed for’.
Jonas Ramokgola was charged with murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition, and was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years for possession of a firearm and six months for the possession of ammunition. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
“Both of us were born and bred in Alexandra and we used to play together and eat at each other’s home just like brothers as early as 10 years [old].
“What hurts me the most is that this killer, who has no relation to Mbopha at all, showed no remorse for the mere fact he did not want to disclose the mastermind behind the killing. We believe, and the magistrate also indicated in her judgment, that he was a hired gun.”
Motsumi had nothing but praise for Magistrate Yvonne Prinsloo for her patience with Ramokgola and his shenanigans of changing defence lawyers many times but ‘she finally nailed him with the utmost of kindness and fairness in the trial’.
The Galxcoc president described Mbopha as a man who not only had the upliftment of his community at heart by creating jobs as an entrepreneur, but also played a huge role in selfless community work for the benefit of all and sundry in the township.
“I would like to thank the community of Alexandra that supported us from day one and right through the prolonged trial. Their steadfast belief in our cause does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.”
