Life imprisonment for 2020 tuckshop killers

Two men from Bekkersdal have been slapped with a hefty sentence of life imprisonment each in connection with the robbery and murder of a tuckshop owner in 2020.

Bekkersdal Police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane said the two men were sentenced on February 2.

• Also read: Local tuckshop robbed by four armed men

“Believe Khoza, 30, of Spooktown Bekkersdal and Dumisane Mgolwane, 28, of Silvercity informal settlement committed the crime on February 28, 2020. The pair entered a tuckshop [owned by a foreign national] in Spooktown and demanded money and cellphones before fatally wounding the owner. They made their way out with an undisclosed amount of cash and two cellphones.

The matter was reported to the police and through assistance and gathering of information from the community, they were identified on March 3, 2020. The suspects were apprehended and were still in possession of a murder weapon and cash.

“The case was assigned to a seasoned detective Sergeant Xoli Mantanga of the West Rand District Trio team who selflessly work around the clock ensuring that justice was served. The pair was charged with murder, aggravating robbery, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition,” said Sergeant Lefakane.

She added that the two were sentenced as follows.

• Also read: Foreign shop-owner shot, robbed in Bekkersdal

Accused 1:
Believe Khoza
Count 1 Murder was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Count 2 Aggravating robbery to 15 years imprisonment.
Count 3 Unlawful possession of firearm to 15 years and
Count 4 for unlawful possession of ammunition to 3 years imprisonment.

Accused 2:
Dumisane Mgolwane
Count 1 Murder was sentenced to life imprisonment
Count 2 Aggravating robbery to 15 years imprisonment.
They were further declared unfit to possession a firearm, and both accused sentences were said to run concurrently.

West Rand District Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana extended his gratitude to the arresting officer and investigating officer in the case.

He also thanked the prosecution team for the job well done.

This is the result of hard work, dedication, professional and intensive investigation. This must serve as a deterrent to all criminals, crime does not pay, and justice has been served.”