THE National Prosecuting Authority has welcomed the life sentences handed down to two Lesotho Nationals found guilty of, among others, murder.
Spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said in a statement Judge Sesele yesterday sentenced Motlatsi Namane, 29, and Thabo Mapuru, 26, each to life imprisonment for the Police officer Ephraim Mokhasi. They also received another 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, while Mapuru was also given five years for unlawful possession of a firearm and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
All the sentences will run concurrently with the life sentences.
The two were part of a group of five men who robbed Mi-Ning supermarket in Ipopeng Township in Bloemfontein belonging to Mr Xiugui Weng on 8 January 2013. They had staked out the supermarket that morning and came back later that afternoon to commit the robbery.
Two police officers arrived at the scene while robbery was in progress. A shootout ensued between the robbers and the police and one police officer, Sergeant Ephraim Mokhasi was shot dead. The robbers took his firearm and flee from the scene after police reinforcement had been called.
The police searched for the robbers and shot dead one of them. Three were arrested and one suspect evaded the police and is still on the run. The fourth suspect disappeared during the course of the trial and the state applied for separation of trial.
The third accused, Louis Mphou, pleaded guilty last year and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s court.
Shuping says the NPA welcomes the sentencing. “We believe that it reaffirms our commitment to successfully prosecute all serious crime to ensure justice in society so that people can live in freedom and security,” he said.
– STATEMENT.
Date:
