TWO TENDER CONTRACT KILLERS SENTENCED
The Pretoria High Court has sentenced two tender contract killers from Kwa Mhlanga, Walter Makhulu Malesela Mosotlha (39) to two life terms for two counts of murder, 8 years each for two counts of attempted murder and 5years each for possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. Klaas Oscar Masilela (41), was sentenced to 4 life terms for four counts of murder, 8 years each for two counts of attempted murder and 5years each for possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. The Judge ordered that the sentences should run concurrently and the two be deemed unfit to possess a firearm. The judge also ordered a search and seizure of firearms at their places of residence.
Between January and April 2021, the two men were hired by a man known to the court as Jack who is currently on the run to kill four men, Jabulani Kekana, Tshepho James Mahlangu, Motheo Makau and Vincent Zondi Mamba. The four men were businessmen from in and around Nkangala who had just received a tender from either Eskom or Tshwane Municipality. Kekana and Mahlangu were contracted by Eskom Kusile Lulamisa where they were contracted to do some work. On 27 January 2021, while talking to a security at the gate at Khusile, the two men arrived and shot the two deceased in the head, and they both died on the scene. The two men then shot and killed Makau and Zondi on different occasions at different days while they were driving their cars and attempted to kill complainants who were with them at the time of the incidents.
After investigations by the Police, Masela was arrested by the police task force at his place of residence in Kwa Mhlanga on 26 July 2021; he then pointed out Mosotlha, who was arrested a day later on 27 July 2021. The two have been in custody since their arrest.
In court, they both pleaded not guilty to the offences. However, the state Advocate Lawrance More led evidence which resulted in the conviction of the two contract killers. During the aggravation of the sentence, Adv More asked the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment for the murder charges. He also told the court that the two showed no remorse, they continue to deny killing the four businessmen even after they have been convicted. Moreover, Adv More argued that the two men were hired to kill the 4 young businessmen who were breadwinners because of jealousy and greed.
During sentencing proceedings, Judge Mudzhelele agreed with the state that the two contract killers showed no remorse; they gunned down the deceased in broad daylight in the presence of bystanders. The planned criminality had devastating effects on the surviving family members. The two were hired to execute the killings because of greed. Therefore, she did not find any substantial and compelling circumstance to deviate from imposing the minimum sentence for the murder charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence handed down by the court to contract killers. This sentence emphasises the commitment of the NPA to prosecute serious violent crimes. The NPA also thanks the commitment and dedication of the investigation officer, Sgt Godfrey Sebaka of the Provincial Organised Crime unit, which led to the conviction and sentencing.
