Heavy Sentences for Murder and Robbery Duo Met with Approval by Limpopo Police Commissioner

The Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane has handed down life sentences to two men found guilty of the murder and robbery of a foreign national businessman, a ruling met with high regard by the Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner. On August 19, 2024, the culprits, Khomotso Pitsi Mamphaka, 36, and Donald Lethope Tshehla, 31, faced the legal ramifications for their heinous actions that took place in April 2022.

The incident, which occurred around 9 PM on April 13, 2022, saw the two men attacking the victim in his shop. After threatening him with a firearm, they robbed him of a significant sum of money and his vehicle before shooting him dead. Escaping in the stolen vehicle, they eventually abandoned it in Tafelkop within the Motetema police jurisdiction.

Detective Sergeant Raymond Phago of the Motetema Detective Unit was entrusted with the case and, thanks to his diligent efforts, Mamphaka and Tshehla were apprehended. They faced multiple charges, including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, along with conspiracy to commit robbery.

The court found them guilty and sentenced the duo accordingly:

• Life imprisonment for murder (Count 1)

• Fifteen years for robbery with aggravating circumstances (Count 2)

• Five years for unlawful possession of a firearm (Count 3)

• Two years for unlawful possession of ammunition (Count 4)

• Eight years for conspiracy to commit robbery (Count 5)

The High Court ruled that the sentences for counts 2 to 5 would run concurrently with the life sentence for murder.

In her statement, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe not only welcomed the vigorous sentences but also commended the arresting personnel and Detective Phago for their exemplary work, which ultimately led to this successful prosecution. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedication in the fight against crime and the pursuit of justice in Limpopo Province.

The sentences reflect the severity of the crimes and the commitment of the South African legal system to address and deter violent criminal activity. Lieutenant General Hadebe underscored her approval of the legal process, conveying a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated and will be met with rigorous legal responses.