The Mogwase Regional Court has on Thursday, 30 March 2023 sentenced a 44-year-old Thabang David Malonga Radiropo to seven (7) life sentences and 175 years in prison for a number criminal activities ranging from robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, attempted murder to several counts of murder.
The accused conviction follows an intensive investigation by the police that started in 2011.
It was reported then that the convict, who is a Lesotho national together with other suspects who are still at large, attacked a number of victims in and around Sondela and Freedom Park informal settlements, outside Rustenburg.
The attacks were orchestrated on different dates using different sorts of dangerous weapons including firearms. In some instances, victims were robbed of their valuables including cash and cell phones. In the process some of the victims were killed while others sustained serious injuries.
The convict who was regarded as the group leader, was arrested on numerous occasions for murder and unlawful possession of firearms between 2011 and 2016. Some of his cases were withdrawn pending investigations and decisions.
In 2018, all dockets in which Malonga was the suspect, were centralised to a dedicated team of seasoned Detectives for investigation. Consequent to finalisation of the investigations, the dockets were taken to the Director of Public Prosecutions who in turn decided to prosecute.
A search for Malonga was instituted and he was finally arrested and brought before the court. He was released on bail and thereafter absconded, thus breached his bail conditions. Moreover, after a lengthy period of time, he was re-arrested in Krugersdorp after being found in possession of a firearm unlawfully in 2019.
He has been incarcerated since then up until his conviction and sentencing.
Malonga was found guilty as charged and was sentenced as follows:
8 Counts of murder: 7 life sentences and 15 years imprisonment;
2 Counts of possession of unlicensed firearm: 15 years jail term each;
4 Counts of possession of firearm without a license: 15 years jail term each;
5 Counts of unlawful possession of ammunition: 5 years jail term each;
3 Counts of attempted murder: 10 years jail term each; and
1 Count of robbery with aggravating circumstances; 15 years jail term.
The court ordered that all sentences imposed will run concurrently with the life imprisonment.
Malonga was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Trio Task Team, Detective Captain Dipotso Montsho and Detective Sergeant Sethunya Tobokane as well as Warrant Officer France Tsoela of Rustenburg Crime Intelligence for their tireless efforts to ensure that justice is served. He also extended a word of appreciation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their role and guidance that led to securing of the conviction. In addition, he committed that police in the Province will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who perpetrate crime are brought to book.
