FOUR MEN SENTENCED TO EIGHT LIFE TERMS AND 60 YEARS FOR MURDER AND ARSON

16 MAY 2025

FOUR MEN SENTENCED TO EIGHT LIFE TERMS AND 60 YEARS FOR MURDER AND ARSON

Stilfontein, South Africa- The Stilfontein Regional Court sitting in Klerksdorp has sentenced Mbulelo Suswana (34), Sandile Oliphant (25), Matjaleng Mbipha (27) and Tebogo Moshane (23) to two life imprisonment each for their involvement in the brutal murders of Xolile Nxamakele, aged 28, and Nkululeko Paraffin, aged 25. Additionally, each accused was sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment for arson. The four were further declared unfit to possess firearms.

The tragic events occurred on 30 August 2022, in Jouberton Extension 24 near Klerksdorp. Investigations revealed that the accused went to the house rented by the two deceased. Upon their arrival, they called them out to fight, which is believed to be linked with gang rivalry in the area. Fearing for their lives, both deceased took refuge in their locked room and refused to come out. The house was set alight, which led to the deceased opening and fleeing from the house, intending to escape the fire. Attempts to escape failed as they were captured by the accused and stabbed multiple times to death.

Following swift investigations by the authorities, all four accused were later arrested and linked to brutal murder and arson through further evidence. All four men pleaded not guilty but were convicted based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution. Arguing for a harsher sentence, State Prosecutor Chris Kok argued against any deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the brutal and senseless manner in which the offences were committed and calling for deterrence.

Welcoming the verdict, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and prosecution teams. "The NPA stands firm in ensuring that justice is served. Acts of violence have no place in our society. Communities are urged to report gang-related crimes to the authorities and allow the legal system to take its course," said Dr Makhari.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer- North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367