Five men sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Councillor Moses Maluleke.
The Limpopo High Court, in Polokwane on Thursday convicted and sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the murder of Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Councillor Moses Maluleke (56).
The convicts, Shumani Nemadodzi (48), Avhatakali Isaac Mudau (39), Wiseman Baloyi (37), Tshianeo Munyai (32) and Pfunzo Lidzebe (33) were sentenced on the following charges: conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The incident took place in Xikundu village on 21 July 2022, at his homestead. The court heard that the attackers gained access to the premises of the deceased, in the evening and shot him, the incident happened while the deceased was with his 18-year-old son, and his cellphone was taken.
The court accepted the evidence of a key witness who was used by the state in terms of section 204 of Act 51 of 1977. The court found that the witness testified frankly and honestly. This witness implicated himself, all the accused persons and other unknown people in the commission of these offences.
The court found that the state has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused at all times were acting in the furtherance of a common purpose and that the offences committed by the accused were planned. In mitigation of the sentence, Nemadodzi called his wife to mitigate on his behalf. She pleaded with the court not to impose life imprisonment so that he would be able to continue to take care of his second born child, who was diagnosed with cancer and heart disease. Mudau, Baloyi, Munyai and Lidzebe also pleaded with the court not to impose life imprisonment and pleaded for leniency, as they would want to take care of their families.
The defense lawyer, pleaded with the court to have mercy on them and deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. During sentencing, Senior State Advocate Eric Mabapa, called Rhangeleni Mambre Maluleke, the wife of the deceased mayor Maluleke. She told the court that, as a results of this incident, their doors and gates are always locked, fearing for their lives. The deceased was a generous person who would assist anyone who was in need in the community. She is struggling to manage the family household. Her son (Ntokoto) is not well and remains suffering lodged with a bullet under his kidney. She pleaded with the court to impose life imprisonment on all the accused.
Adv. Mabapa argued that the sentence should be retributive and deterrent, because of the seriousness of the crime and the prevalence thereof. He further argued that there are no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. The offences were committed out of greed, and the interests of the society should be considered.
The Deputy Judge President Matsaro Violet Semenya sentenced all accused to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years for attempted murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 5 years each for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The sentence will run concurrently with life imprisonment, and the court further ordered that all accused be declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomes this sentence and hopes the family finds closure. She further congratulate the good work done by Advocate Eric Mabapa, Lt Colonel Sotlo Richard Boshomane and Warrant officer Masilo Phaladi Makola from Limpopo murder and robbery unit.
Meanwhile, the Premier of Limpopo Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha has welcomed the sentencing of five individuals who were convicted for the heinous murder of the late mayor.
“This verdict marks a significant moment in our justice system, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of violent crimes and their families.”
“The loss of Mayor Maluleke was not only a tragedy for his family but also a profound loss for the community and the province which he served with dedication and compassion. His untimely death is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in combating crime and violence in our society. The bravery and resilience of his family, especially in the face of such adversity, have been a beacon of hope and strength for us all,” said Premier Mathabatha.
Premier Mathabatha further said: “As we reflect on this case, let us remember the values that Mayor Maluleke stood for: service, generosity and community development. Let his legacy inspire us to work even harder towards creating a safer, more just Limpopo where every citizen can live without fear.
“Our thoughts remain with the Maluleke family during this time. We hope that the verdict brings them some measure of solace and closure. The Limpopo Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to supporting the family and the community as they continue to heal from this tragedy.”
Premier Mathabatha concluded by reiterating the government’s dedication to enhancing public safety, supporting law enforcement agencies and strengthening of the justice system to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.