Two hired assassins have been handed direct imprisonment sentences following a brutal murder and robbery that occurred in Kanana, North West, in 2021.
Incident Overview
Armed Robbery Turns Deadly
According to police reports, the incident took place on the evening of Monday, 22 November 2021, when three unidentified men entered a local supermarket.
The suspects, armed with firearms, threatened customers and staff before opening fire. A 34-year-old woman was fatally shot during the attack.
She was rushed to Klerksdorp Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The suspects fled the scene with stolen goods and the victim’s handbag.
Authorities subsequently opened a case of murder and robbery.
Investigation and Arrest
Breakthrough by Anti-Gang Unit
The case was later assigned to the Provincial Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, which carried out extensive investigations that led to a major breakthrough.
Police identified the suspects as hired assassins from Lesotho and tracked their movements.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrest
A coordinated operation involving the Anti-Gang Unit and the Flying Squad resulted in the arrest of two suspects in the early hours of Friday, 27 January 2023.
During the arrest, authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons and explosives, including:
- Four shotguns
- One revolver
- Two explosive tubes
- One detonator
- 105 rounds of R5 rifle ammunition
- 29 rounds of revolver ammunition
- 20 rounds of AK-47 ammunition
Court Sentencing
Life Imprisonment for Murder
On Monday, 30 March 2026, the Klerksdorp Regional Court sentenced the two men, aged 34 and 35.
The convicted individuals, Bokang Samson Sakhele (35) and Taeta John Ramaema (34), received the following sentences:
- Life imprisonment for murder
- 15 years for robbery
- 15 years for possession of explosives
- 15 years for possession of firearms
- 7 years for possession of ammunition
- 2 years for contravening the Immigration Act
Sentencing Details
Both men were declared unfit to possess firearms.
The court ordered that Sakhele’s sentences run concurrently with Count 1, while Ramaema’s sentences will run concurrently with Count 3.
Conclusion
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a long-running investigation into a violent crime that shocked the Kanana community. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to tackling organized crime and ensuring justice for victims.