Three life sentences for Burgersfort triple murderer | Lowvelder

The Limpopo High Court sentenced Immanuel Charles Maboko (35) to three life terms on November 1 for three counts of murder.

Maboko, who is from Alverton in Burgersfort, was also sentenced to an additional 15 years for aggravated robbery and three years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The life terms will not run concurrently; however, the sentences for robbery and firearm possession will. Despite pleading not guilty and electing to represent himself, Maboko chose to remain silent throughout the trial.

The State presented compelling evidence, detailing how he, under the pretence of purchasing a car, had entered a BMW dealership in Nirvana, Polokwane, on April 11, 2022.

During an altercation with a salesman, Maboko fatally shot Muofhe Luvhimbi (56), an educator from Tshikuwi Village in the Vhembe District, who had brought his BMW X6M in for a service. Maboko fled in Luvhimbi’s vehicle, but was later apprehended near the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle,” said the National Prosecuting Authority’s Limpopo spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.

Further evidence linked Maboko to two other murders. On April 1, 2022, he shot and killed Lucas Malatji outside his home in Mabocha Village, Burgersfort. Additionally, he was implicated in the death of Prof Mohamed Saber Tayob, who was shot while jogging on Munnik Street in Sterkpark, Polokwane, on March 13, 2022.

In aggravation of the sentence, the deputy director of public prosecutions, Adv Lethabo Mashiane, presented victim impact statements highlighting the families of the deceased’s emotional and financial devastation.

They expressed enduring trauma and fear, and mentioned how these senseless killings left them both heartbroken and financially strained, as the victims had been primary breadwinners.

In his sentencing remarks, Acting Judge AJ Monene touched on the broader societal impact of these murders and noted the lack of remorse displayed by the accused, who was reportedly smiling throughout the trial.

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Monene asserted that Maboko’s removal from society would contribute to public safety and concluded that there were no grounds to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The director of public prosecutions, Adv Ivy Thenga, welcomed this sentence. “The justice delivered provides solace to the bereaved families and demonstrates our commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

She also commended the investigating officer, Sergeant Florence Tlhatlha of the Limpopo Provincial Organised Crime Unit, for her diligent work on this case.