GROUP CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE CHARGES INCLUDING ATTEMPTED MURDER, KIDNAPPING, AND ASSAULT GBH
Three accused, Thepang Dithato (23), Kearabetswe Mofokeng (24), and Vuyani Nondey (28) were sentenced by the Bothaville Regional Court after they pleaded guilty to charges against them on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Lejweleputswa Police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said that the sentencing emanates from an incident that occurred on Friday, 26 August 2025, at about 23:00.
During the incident, two males aged 26 and 32 were kidnapped in Bothaville. The court heard how the victims were severely assaulted, had their hands tied, and thrown into the Vaal River near Leeudoringstad. The two managed to swim and were able to cling to a tree until the morning. A passerby saw them and alerted the police, and both victims were rescued and were able to provide information to the police.
A case docket was registered and assigned to D/Sergeant Dannis Mokoena of the Bothaville Detective Services. Through his dedication, he pursued all information leading to the whereabouts of the accused.
Four suspects were traced and arrested on 8 September 2025.
After months of investigations by the investigating team and evidence presented before the court by the prosecution, Advocate Lebitsa of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), three of the suspects pleaded guilty on their respective charges, while the fourth accused denied charges against him and will proceed with the court trial.
Magistrate Mahlatsi handed down the sentencing to the three accused as follows:
- Tshepang Dithato (23) was sentenced to twenty-one (21) years imprisonment on two counts of attempted murder and kidnapping
- Kearabetswe Mofokeng (24) was sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment on one count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Vuyani Nondey (28) sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment on one count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
