| 2025/01/26 |
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Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM – The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed a sentence handed down on Friday, 24 January 2025, by the Bafokeng Regional Court in Tlhabane after thorough investigations by dedicated Detectives, supported by prosecution. A Lesotho foreign national, Kefuoe Victor Tsoloane (37), was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for murder and an additional two years’ for being illegally in the country. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000). The court heard evidence that on Saturday, 09 September 2023, Troy Petlele (50), who was a tavern owner in Luka Village near Phokeng, close to Rustenburg, was shot and killed, inside his tavern. Police arrested Tsoloane shortly after the incident, and he made his first court appearance on Monday, 11 September 2023. That was followed by several court appearances until the accused was convicted. In mitigating for a harsher sentence, the Prosecutor, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli, indicated that foreign nationals, particularly those who are illegally in the country, are not only disrespecting the sovereignty of the country by staying here without proper documentation, but are also well known for committing most of the brutal and barbaric murders in the North West. The case was investigated by Sergeants Seatile Modisane and Piet Tobekane from Phokeng Detectives. Major General Patrick Asaneng, and Dr Rachel Makhari applauded the investigation officers and the Prosecutor for their diligence to ensure that the convict is put behind bars and that the sentence will send a strong message that no form of criminality will be tolerated. Ends
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