| 2025/03/11 |
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Media Statement
KIMBERLEY – The Provincial Commissioner for the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola embraced the hefty sentences that were handed down on seven accused of the brutal murder and robbery of the prominent Kimberley businessman, Piet Els in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley on 11 March 2025. On 24 January 2018 at about 05:00 the late Piet Els (86) and his female partner (67) were brutally assaulted and tortured on the Carters Ridge farm near Kimberley. Els sustained traumatic head injuries and died 111 days later in hospital. His partner was sexually and physically assaulted in the attack. The accused fled with money, jewellery, Kruger rands, two firearms, cellphones, a Mercedes Benz vehicle and other valuables. Police followed up on information and the stolen vehicle as well as other valuables were recovered. The accused were arrested in Mpumulanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Kimberley respectively between 2018 and 2020. The accused were sentenced in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley on 11 March 2025 as follows. Accused 1: Morapedi Rankali (28) was sentenced for Theft, 3 years wholly suspended for five years. Accused 2: Motlalalentwe Qhautse (37) sentenced to 20 years for house breaking with the intent to Rob and Robbery with aggravating circumstances, 5 years for sexual assault and life for murder. Accused 3: Lizbeth Ndlala (56) received 10 years for housebreaking with the intent to rob and robbery. Accused 4: Themba Lawrence Maja (68) sentenced to 10 years for housebreaking with the intent to rob and robbery. Accused 5: Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane(44) was sentenced to 20 years for house breaking with the intent to Rob and Robbery with aggravating circumstances, 5 years for sexual assault and life for murder. Accused 6: Samson Sam Mbokane (63) received 10 years for housebreaking with the intent to rob and robbery. Accused 7: Jabulani Wilson Zuma (62) was sentenced to 20 years for house breaking with the intent to Rob and Robbery. The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the investigating team as well as the NPA for the impeccable investigation and prosecution of the case. The team ensured that justice was served despite a life being lost in the process. General Otola applauded the various SAPS units, including the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit, Crime Intelligence and all other relevant role players for the relentless investigations, the many sleepless nights and long hours spent to ensure that these hefty convictions were secured. End As we are celebrating human rights month during March, General Otola also reiterated that all citizens, without exception must enjoy all rights, such as the right to life, equality and human dignity. Ends
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