The South African Police Service has welcomed the sentencing of six men to life imprisonment for the brutal mob justice killings of two men in Limpopo’s Mopani District, describing the judgment as a strong warning against vigilante violence.
The six accused, identified as Maseabi Godfrey Senyolo,46, Thabiso Senyolo ,39, Elmon Shai 32, Mmoye Freddy Senyolo 42, Isiah Melanzi 40, and Tjatji William Gafane 43, were sentenced by the Polokwane High Court on two counts of murder and two counts of kidnapping.
Each accused received two life imprisonment sentences for murder and an additional five years imprisonment for kidnapping. The court also declared all six men unfit to possess firearms.
According to police, the convictions stem from a horrific incident that took place on 23 August 2023 in the Maake policing area.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victims, Tantane Paulus Mangena ,49, and Tshepo Conrates Malatjie,34, were abducted from their homes after being accused of theft.
“The accused were arrested following a brutal incident that occurred on 23 August 2023, when the victims, Tantane Paulus Mangena ,49, and Tshepo Conrates Malatjie,34, were forcibly taken from their homes after being accused of theft,” said Ledwaba.
The victims were allegedly assaulted at the All-Star sports ground before being taken to Mokgoloboto Mountain, where the attack escalated into a gruesome killing.
“They were assaulted at the All-Star sports ground before being taken to Mokgoloboto Mountain, where they were further attacked with hands, boots, firewood, and stones. The accused forced the victims to drink petrol, poured petrol over their bodies, and set them alight, burning them beyond recognition,” Ledwaba said.
Police said prosecutors successfully opposed bail during the trial, ensuring the accused remained behind bars until the matter was finalised.
The investigation was led by Captain Alfred Hopane of the Maake Detectives Unit, whose work was praised by provincial police leadership.
“The case was thoroughly investigated by Captain Alfred Hopane of Maake Detectives, whose dedication and commitment contributed significantly to securing the successful conviction and sentencing of the six suspects,” Ledwaba added.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence and condemned acts of mob justice.
“This sentence sends a clear message that mob justice and acts of brutality will not be tolerated. We urge communities to report crime to the police rather than take the law into their own hands,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
IOL News
Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
