Saturday, November 16, 2024 - The High Court in Polokwane, South Africa has convicted and sentenced a 37-year-old man, Thabo Ali Molobela, to 35 years imprisonment for m8rder, and attempted m8rder.
In September last year, police in Limpopo
had traced and arrested Mobobela, who had been on the run after he allegedly
shot his wife, their child, her four family members, k!lling two at Makgophong
village, in Magatle.
The brutal shooting took place on August 19
2023.
On Thursday, November 14, provincial police
spokesperson in Limpopo, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Molobela, worked as a
security officer.
“The accused and his wife had marital
issues, which remained unresolved when he then resorted to shooting his wife,
their child, sister-in-law, and the wife's cousin. The accused arrived at his
in-laws' homestead and started to shoot at the victims whilst in a motor
vehicle in the yard,” said Ledwaba.
The wife’s cousin and sister lost their
lives. Molobela’s wife, child, and other family members survived the shootings,
with injuries.
Almost a month later, Molobela, who had
been on the run was traced and arrested at Santeng village in Hoedspruit.
During the arrest, police said Molobela
shot himself in an attempt to commit suicide. Police officers managed to disarm
him, and he was rushed to the local hospital.
Captain Kedibone Mathamela of Magatle
detective led the investigations until Molobela was sentenced to an effective
35 years imprisonment
On count one of m8rder, Molobela was
sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
On count two, of m8rder, Molobela was also
sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentences in
count one and two will run concurrently.
On the four counts of attempted m8rder,
Molobela was slapped with 10 years imprisonment on each count.
On the charge of pointing with a firearm,
Molobela was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
The court ordered that the sentences will
run concurrently.
Molobela was also declared unfit to possess
a firearm.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of
police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the hefty
sentence meted out by the court
“We appreciate the wonderful job done by the investigating officer, the arresting team, and all the participants who ensured that justice prevails,” said Hadebe.
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