POLOKWANE – Four men are sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mahwelereng Regional court on Thursday, 03 November 2022 for the murder of a 22-year-old man, Peter Keetsi in Mahwelereng.

The trial court found that the accused, Khulekani Dube (24), Saviors Mbedzi (23), Vusi Ncube (21), and Agreement Tlou (24), had on 31 August 2019, met the victim at about 00:30 and stabbed him several times. He was walking from the local tavern in Pholar Park.The victim was taken to Mokopane hospital and he later succumbed to the injuries.

The case of assault with intent to cause grevious bodily harm (GBH) was initially opened but was later changed to murder after the victim succumbed to the injury in hospital. Detective Sergeant David Hlengane Matjeke attached to Mahwelereng Detectives was assigned to investigate the case. The suspects were tracked down and arrested on a farm in Lephalale the following month. An additional charge of Contravention of the Immigration Act was added after it was revealed that the suspects were in the country illegally.

The four accused made several court appearances before being convicted and sentenced. All the accused each got life imprisonment for murder and two years’ imprisonment for Contravention of the Immigration Act or a fine of R5 000-00.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the investigating team for diligently executing their duties to bring about a successful conviction.

“The harsh sentences are all thanks to the efforts and professionalism displayed during the investigation and presentation of evidence before court by the investigating officer Detective Sergeant David Hlengane Matjeke,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Source: South African Police Service