The Limpopo High Court on Monday sentenced Thomas Nunu Makanye (33) and Simon Setwanye Monakedi (37) to life imprisonment for the murder of a Police officer outside Groblersdal last year.
Limpopo Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke referred to the incident saying that Police officer Joel Seloga, attached to the Groblersdal Cluster Detectives Unit, assisted Police from Brits in North-West to locate a suspect in connection with various crimes. The suspect was located at a funeral at Madibung Village outside Groblersdal and when they tried to arrest him, community members attacked the officers, according to Maluleke. Seloga was apprehended by community members, disarmed and shot dead with his service pistol.
Makanye was arrested in Jane Furse soon after investigations commenced and found in possession of Seloga’s pistol. Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Monakedi soon thereafter.
They were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, six years for theft of a firearm, four years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, one year for unlawful possession of ammunition and six months imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice. The sentences will run concurrent.
Limpopo Hawks acting Provincial Head Nare Mabotja commended the investigating team for working tirelessly until the case was finalised. “This will send a strong and vivid message that to kill a cop is like committing a serious crime against the state and for that there will be dire consequences,” he reportedly said.
Story: RC Myburgh
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