37-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF FRIEND
The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court sentenced 37-year-old Thabiso Mojapelo to life imprisonment for murder and a further 10 years imprisonment for theft. The court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm. On 19 April 2022, the accused went to Riverpark, where the deceased resided to confront him. The accused and the deceased had committed a crime the day before the incident and they were supposed to share profits of the crime. Upon arrival, an argument ensued between the two friends. Mojapelo went to the deceased kitchen and fetched a knife. He concealed the knife in his jacket and the argument continued.
The accused took out the knife and stabbed the deceased more than 35 times, all over his body. Mojapelo covered the deceased body with a blanket to conceal it. The accused stole the deceased’s belongings, loaded them in a vehicle belonging to his deceased friend and fled the scene. The items and the vehicle stolen were valued at approximately R400 000. While the incident was happening, the deceased’s grandmother was sleeping in her bedroom. The accused handed himself over to the police. In court, the accused pleaded guilty to all charges. The court further found out that the accused was not a first-time offender. He has related convictions of theft, robbery and rape. The accused committed this ordeal while he was out on parole for robbery with aggravating circumstances and rape.
The NPA welcomes the sentence and applauds Regional Court Prosecutor Charlotte Lutchmiah and Investigating Office Sergent Matlala for ensuring that justice is served. We hope that this sentence will send a clear message that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in our communities.
