Police praised for convicted murderers
Nov 13 2008 03:27:17:903PM  - (SA)  

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One of the three accused, Mr Josias Mohapi Mohapeloa, died while in custody.

The men were found guilty of the murder of Mr Mpelane Gilbert Makengkeng (46) of Las Vegas, Thabong. He went missing from his home on 1 July 2006 and his body was found on 22 July 2006 in the mountainous area of Monontsha, Qwa-Qwa, by Detective Inspectors David Dlamini and Mohale Sehaole Dlamini, with the help of one of the accused, Mr Koenane Shadrack Mofokeng (49).

Two female Lesotho nationals were arrested for possession of Makengkeng’s vehicle at Maseru Bridge, and they led the police to Mohapeloa (34), also a Lesotho resident at the time.

On 4 August 2006, the deceased’s wife, Nomonde Eudin Makengkeng (45), was arrested. The first two women who were arrested for possession of the deceased’s vehicle, turned into state witnesses and a case against them was withdrawn.

The trial of the three accused started in February 2008 in the Circuit Court at Virginia. The trial lasted about three weeks, and was then postponed to September 2008. It resumed in the Virginia Circuit Court.

The trial resumed on 5 November and sentencing took place on 7 November.

The three accused were on trial for man stealing, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, the unlawful possession of a firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition.

Mofokeng was found guilty on all five charges and sentenced, consecutively, to seven years’ imprisonment, fifteen years’ imprisonment, a life sentence for murder, three years’ imprisonment and six months’ imprisonment. All of the sentences will run concurrently.

Makengkeng was found guilty on count one to three and was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, fifteen years’ imprisonment and a life sentence for murder.

All of the sentences will run concurrently.

Makengkeng was granted leave to appeal.

The Station Commissioner of Thabong, Assistant Commissioner Lerato Molale, commended all the members who were involved in the investigation and successful finalization of this case. These include the former Commander of Serious and Violent Crimes, Supt. Motsamai Mabeleng and the investigation team, Det. Insp. Makhale Mahlatsi, Det. Insp. Mohale Sehaole and Det. Insp. David Dlamini of Thabong Organised Crime for the outstanding work he performed in tracing and convicting the suspects in difficult circumstances.

“This proves beyond reasonable doubt that the community can rely on these and other dedicated members that all criminals will end up where they belong – behind bars,” said Molale.

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