16 suspects sentenced in case of Limpopo induna burnt to death

The South African Police Service has welcomed sentences handed down by the Polokwane High Court to 16 people arrested for murder, public violence and arson during an incident in 2014, reports the Bosveld Review Online.

According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, the deceased and local induna at the time, Daniel Kabishi Mojela, 62, was assaulted during a fight between two groups of suspects at Tukakgomo village outside Burgersfort in April 2014.

“One of the two groups who were fighting over the chieftaincy went to the home of Mojela, assaulted him and forced him to drink petrol before they poured petrol on his body and set him alight,” he added.

The 16 accused were sentenced as follows:

• Solomon Chiloane, Thabo Mohlala and Mighty Madutlela – aged between 35 and 42 years old – were sentenced to life for all three offences
• Johannes Ramapulane, Mammaru Nico, Tshepho Madutlela, Disegoana Mosekeng and Hendrick Mogane – aged between 28 and 52 years old – were sentenced to six years in prison for all three offences
• Maite Makofane, Monica Matsie, Ndodo Mozau, Madutlela Emanuel, Mathe Gladys, Kerry Mmamaile, Timothy Ribs and Mashaba Okny – aged between 33 and 56 years old – were sentenced to two years for all three offences.

The provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nneke Ledwaba welcomed the achievements by the Burgersfort detectives, especially in view of the escalation of the incidents of mob killings and mob attacks in some parts of the province.

“These sentences will send a strong message to all members of the community who are still intending to take the law into their hands by participating in acts of vigilantism and mob-attacks. The police will be merciless when dealing with them,” said the general.

– Caxton News Service

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