The fight against vigilantism and mob justice was boosted by the heavy sentences that were meted against three people.
Two men and a juvenile were sentenced today to life imprisonment by Mokerong Regional court on charges of murder.
Thapelo Kgosana (21) and Johannes Madiba (32) were sentenced to life imprisonment whereas an 18-year-old juvenile was sentenced to a diversion program for three years and upon turning 21, he will then serve 2 more years in prison.
The three were convicted for murdering an innocent 29-year-old Martin Sekanka Lebelo who was waiting for the initiates he was to transport home on the morning of their graduation.
The incident took place last year on youth day 16 June 2016. The accused found the deceased parked in the bush waiting and started accusing him of being a stock thief. They then stoned him to death.
Welcoming the sentence, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba stated that 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.” He concluded by thanking all members who were involved in cracking this case.
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