HEAVY SENTENCES FOR LESOTHO NATIONALS CONVICTED OF DOUBLE MURDER, RAPE, AND ROBBERY IN WELKOM
02 OCTOBER 2025
HEAVY SENTENCES FOR LESOTHO NATIONALS CONVICTED OF DOUBLE MURDER, RAPE, AND ROBBERY IN WELKOM
Welkom, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Free State welcomes the heavy sentences handed down by the Welkom Regional Court against five Lesotho nationals convicted for a violent crime spree that left two people dead, two women raped, and a community traumatised.
The convicted men are: Thabang Makepisi Thoi (35), Lerato Maru Thoi (39), Hetshidisitswe Sajene Hatasi (40), Senaunoa Khomo Mokutoane (31), and Nathaniel Molele Rakhomo (35). The crimes took place on 14 June 2020, at the home of a Welkom couple who sold alcohol from their residence. An argument broke out after the husband requested the group to leave, whereupon one of the accused shot him multiple times, killing him instantly. The attackers then forced their way into the house, where they robbed the family of valuables, including a television, food, beverages, cellphones, and cash. The wife was raped before being fatally shot. The ordeal continued when the group abducted a 25-year-old neighbour, who was raped multiple times in Western Holdings. They also attempted to rape the couple’s 18-year-old daughter but fled when they spotted a police vehicle. Following intensive investigations, including DNA and ballistic evidence, the suspects were traced and arrested on 16 June 2020.
During the trial, the prosecution team led by Mr Raymond McBetty, in consultation with Adv. Ramontsheng Lekhetho argued for maximum sentences, stressing the brutality of the crimes and the need to safeguard communities. The court also heard powerful Victim Impact Statements compiled by Court Preparation Officer Rose Dube, which laid bare the devastating trauma suffered by the family and community. On 22 September 2025, five of the seven accused were convicted. Two were acquitted.
The sentences are as follows: Accused 1: Thabang Makepisi Thoi (35), Two counts of murder: Life imprisonment each, Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years, Two counts of kidnapping: 3 years each, Assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm: 3 years, Contravention of the Immigration Act: 2 years, Possession of firearm: 15 years, Possession of ammunition: 3 years, Accused 2: Lerato Maru Thoi (39), Rape: 15 years, Contravention of the Immigration Act: 2 years, Accused 3: Hetshidisitswe Sajene Hatasi (40), Rape: Life imprisonment, Contravention of the Immigration Act: 2 years, Accused 6: Senaunoa Khomo Mokutoane (31), Possession of firearm: 15 years, Possession of ammunition: 2 years, Accused 7: Nathaniel Molele Rakhomo (35), Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years, Kidnapping: 3 years (two counts), Assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm: 3 years and Contravention of the Immigration Act: 2 years.
The NPA commends the dedication of the investigation and prosecution teams in securing these convictions. These sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes and send a clear message that such brutality will never be tolerated. Human life is sacred, and the NPA will continue to pursue these cases with vigour to ensure justice for victims and deterrence for offenders.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539