Four youngsters from a group known as “Die Haas” in Qwaqwa received a combined total of 70 years imprisonment after they appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
This after the brutal murder of Tsimane Malakoane on 25 May 2019. According to a statement by the Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Malakoane’s body was found at the Sekoto river in Tseneng Village last year while his car, a red Toyota sedan was found burned at Tsirela Village.
According to police the deceased’s body was discovered by community members who played a big role in providing information. On the day of the incident Malakoane was at Bolata Village driving to Tseseng when he was stopped by the four accused pretending to seek a lift to the same destination. The suspects then drove with him and stabbed him to death after robbing him of his belongings.
The suspects remained in custody until they were sentenced. The four accused include 18-year-old Tshabang Richard Buthelezi who was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment along with 18-year-old Lehlohonolo Stanley Modipa, 20-year-old Itumeleng Moloi and 27-year-old Nauwe Peter Tshabalala.
Due to a diligent and thorough investigation by Detective Warrant Sello Mollo, all the accused were each sentenced 20 years direct imprisonment.
The family of the deceased is pleased by the outcome of the case and investigation conducted by the police.
