Farm attackers sentenced for murder of Lephalale farmer
Hendrik Pieterson (57) was murdered on Sumadi farm outside Lephalale in 2017.
POLOKWANE – Phuti Phineas Molangoane (39) and Thapelo Nickel Motsamai (25), two of the four accused in the murder of Hendrick Peter Pieterson (57), were sentenced in the High Court of Limpopo on Tuesday, 13 October.
Pieterson was attacked by four men on his farm outside Lephalale on 6 February 2017. According to earlier reports, he was hit over the head with a heavy object before the suspects fled in his bakkie.
His son-in-law discovered him in the house the next morning and rushed him to hospital… he passed away before they reached help. A safe, firearms and a cellphone were stolen during the incident.
The four men were arrested within months of the attack. Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said a fifth suspect, who drove them to the farm, was on the run until he was shot and killed during a shoot out with the police.
“During subsequent court appearances, the four accused were all granted bail. Justice Rasodi (38) failed to appear in court after he was released on bail and was being sought by the police. He committed series of other crimes during this time and was finally arrested in Modimolle.”
In court, Molangoane was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and an additional 15 years each for housebreaking with the intent to commit robbery and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He was further sentenced to and extra five years imprisonment for possession of unlicensed firearm. The 15 and five year sentences will run concurrently, Mojapelo said.
Motsamai received 15 years each for housebreaking with the intent to commit robbery and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Mojapelo says the trial of the remaining accused, Rasodi, is expected to start on 15 October. “He will also face a series of charges ranging from murder, possession of suspected motor vehicle, house robbery, theft to burglaries which were committed in Villa Nora, Modimolle, Seshego and Lephalale, respectively.”
The fourth accused turned state witness.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba has welcomed the hefty sentences handed own to the two accused and applauded the meticulous work of the investigation team. He further stressed that the police in this province prioritises the safety and security of the farming community, Mojapelo concluded.
