Provincial commissioner welcomes maximum sentences for murder, robbery and theft accused

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has welcomed the sentences handed down to Thabang Maseko (24) and Mongezi Molefe (27) by the North West High Court in Mahikeng today for murder, robbery aggravating and theft.

The accused’ sentencing came after the killing of Reverend Joseph Hollanders (83) whose body was discovered at his house within church premises on Monday, 13 January 2020 in Bodibe Village. The victim’s body with hands and feet tied-up, was discovered by a member of the community who alerted the police. Consequently, three suspects were arrested two days later (Wednesday, 15 January 2020) in Bodibe village and found in possession of a cell phone belonging to the victim.

Maseko and Molefe were eventually found guilty for murder, robbery aggravating and theft while the third accused was found not guilty.

The accused were sentenced as follows:

Thabang Maseko

Murder - 25 years imprisonment for murder.

Robbery aggravating - 15 years imprisonment of which five will be served with the sentence of murder to make it 30 years effective imprisonment while 10 years will be served concurrently with 30 years.

Mongezi Molefe

3 years direct imprisonment for theft

Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the investigating team led by Captain Saul Kotu and other role players including prosecution for their teamwork that resulted in the conviction.

Source: South African Police Service

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