LIMPOPO – The three were convicted for the murder of 29-year-old Martin Sekanka Lebelo during an act of vigilatism in Mahwelereng on 16 July 2016.
According to Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, Lebelo was waiting for initiates he was to transport home on the morning of their graduation when the incident occurred.
“It is alleged the suspects found the deceased parked in the bush and accused him of being a stock thief before they stoned him to death.”
All three suspects appeared before the Mokerong Regional Court on Thursday 20 July where Thapelo Kgosana (21) and Johannes Madiba (32) were sentenced to life imprisonment. The 18-year-old juvenile was sentenced to three years to be served at a diversion program, however, upon turning 21 he will serve 2 more years in prison.
“These sentences should send a clear message that our criminal justice system does not tolerate any acts of vigilantism. “We’ve always said people must desist from taking the law into their own hands but should instead cooperate with the police to fight crime, ” said Ledwaba.
He concluded by thanking all members who were involved in cracking this case.
