EFF COUNCILLOR KILLERS SLAPPED WITH MULTIPLE YEARS IMPRISONMENT
The High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Division, Johannesburg imposed hefty sentences on Simon Mahuse (28) and his co-accused Frans Ntshumayelo (30), the killers of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) councillor, Koketso Mojatau and Siboniso Sokhele. The duo was charged with multiple offences, including two counts murder, three counts of attempted murder, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and subsequently found guilty by Acting Judge Johnson on 22 July 2024.
The duo received sentences totaling 73 years. However, due to concurrent sentencing, the effective imprisonment term for each accused was reduced to 24 years behind bars.
Mahuse and his accomplice were apprehended following a tip-off from the community to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). The EMPD promptly responded to the information, tracing the suspects to a Phumula address. Upon arrival, further intelligence revealed that the family members were involved in a string of robberies, and suspicious items were discovered at the scene. Anticipating the group’s return, the police called for backup. Later that evening, four suspects approached the house and were confronted by the police, leading to a shootout. One suspect escaped, while another sustained fatal injuries. The remaining two suspects were successfully apprehended.
The sentence follows a diligent investigation by Sergeant Mbatha, which brought to light that the accused were responsible for the murders of Mojatau and Sokhele in April 2023. They were convicted for a series of violent crimes that were committed between January and April 2023. The evidence presented in court showed that the accused targeted unsuspecting victims, using firearms to rob and murder them.
The court was presented with disturbing details of a string of armed robberies, where the accused targeted victims at gunpoint, stealing vehicles, cellphones and other personal belongings. In one harrowing incident, a complainant bravely fought back, firing shots at the accused, but tragically fell victim to gunfire and was robbed of their firearm.
The police recovered the stolen vehicles, firearms and other personal items belonging to Mojatau and arrested the duo after a shootout on 23 April 2023. Despite pleading not guilty, the accused faced overwhelming evidence presented by Senior State Prosecutor Matthews Rampyapedi which proved guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Adv. Rampyapedi highlighted that both the accused cared for their own interests and the weight of the offences warranted the prescribed minimum sentence. The state relied on fingerprint evidence, items found in the car, timelines in between the events and the modus operandi.
The court condemned the accused’s modes operandi, emphasising their calculated brutality and meticulous planning, which demonstrated a blatant disregard for the privacy, well-being and lives of innocent citizens. Acting Judge Johnson also cited that the EFF councillor, Majatau, was a valuable member of society. In her ruling, she departed from the prescribed minimum sentence, taking into account the accused’s personal circumstances, notably their relative youth and potential for rehabilitation.
The sentence brings closure to the families of the victims and serves as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators of violent crimes.
