LENGTHY SENTENCES IMPOSED ON A GROUP CONVICTED OF BRUTAL MURDER
11 NOVEMBER 2025
LENGTHY SENTENCES IMPOSED ON A GROUP CONVICTED OF BRUTAL MURDER
Bethlehem, Free State – The Bethlehem Regional Court has handed down lengthy prison sentences to six men convicted of the brutal murder of 32-year-old Innocent Moratuwa Mofokeng, who was attacked and killed by a mob in June 2024.
On 29 June 2024, the deceased was chased by a group of men from a local tavern. In an attempt to hide, he climbed onto the roof of a nearby shack. The assailants discovered his location and began pelting him with stones. Desperate to escape, he jumped from the roof but was caught and brutally assaulted with bricks, bottles, booted feet, and knives.
Regional Court Prosecutor Jaco Scholtz led the prosecution, urging the court to impose stiff sentences that would send a clear message that violent crimes, particularly those disregarding the sanctity of human life, will not be tolerated. Scholtz emphasised that the right to life is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and that the courts play a crucial role in safeguarding this fundamental right.
During the trial, the State called two eyewitnesses who testified that they had attempted to intervene but were threatened with violence by the attackers.
Of the seven accused, one was acquitted, while the remaining six received significant custodial sentences: Accused 1: Eric Mabe (22) – 18 years’ imprisonment, Accused 2: Tshepo Mofokeng (19) – 18 years’ imprisonment, Accused 6: Thabang Moloi (19) – 18 years’ imprisonment,(Sentences considered their youthfulness at the time of the offence), Accused 3: Thabo Shabangu (28) – 25 years’ imprisonment, Accused 4: Mosuwane Mokoena (38) – 25 years’ imprisonment and Accused 7: Lefu Tshabangu (29) – 25 years’ imprisonment(For their direct and violent role in the killing).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Free State welcomes the court’s decision and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that justice is served. The sentences imposed reflect the gravity of the offence and underscore the NPA’s stance that the right to life is sacred and must be protected at all costs.
The NPA remains determined to pursue perpetrators of violent crimes vigorously, sending a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539