One Accused Was Sentenced In The Deacon Murder Case
The Limpopo Polokwane High Court has sentenced a 41-year-old man, Leshate Lazarus Mahlo, of Ga Makanye village, to 22 years of direct imprisonment, for robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of murder. The accused, Lazarus pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances, he was convicted and sentenced as charged. In his plea agreement, the accused stated that on 10 September 2020, he entered Deacon's homestead, after Sophy Mmako (accused 1), complained that her employers were not paying her accordingly.
She requested the accused to assist in robbing the deceased, and further suggested that Lazarus, must approach Owen, (unknown to the state) to assist him with the robbery and he agreed. Owen came with Casper Mudau, (accused 4) to Bendor, upon arrival, Sophy provided the accused with three knives and opened the gate for them to enter, and find a spot to hide. When the deceased arrived home, they were grabbed and instructed to lie down. In the process of those instructions, Owen, stabbed the deceased Elizabeth, multiple times while Hester, was strangled with a rope.
The accused loaded the deceased inside the motor vehicle and robbed them of R200, whiskies and a Honda SUV motor vehicle. The accused drove to Mankweng, to drop the alcohol at Lazaru' s homestead, and further proceeded to Chuenespoort, where they were chased by the police and fled the area. The accused Lazarus, further admits that after his arrest he cooperated with the police, confessed immediately and made pointing out as he realised what he did was very wrong, and he wanted the family to find closure.
During the aggravation of the sentence, state Adv. Kobus Jacobs submitted that the death of the two deceased, could have been avoided and the deceased's family lost a mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, and members of their family who played a very important role in their lives. He further submitted that the offences emanated from greed.
The court sentenced Lazarus Mahlo, to 22 years of direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of murder. The matter is adjourned to 16 January 2023, for the further trial of the three other accused. Makgaetji Sophy Mmako was released on bail in the Polokwane High Court. Two Zimbabwean nationals, Abibi Advance Hamid, and Casper Mudau will remain in custody.
The NPA applauds the good work of Adv. Jacobs and the South African Police Services.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
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