TWO MEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL MURDER

02 July 2025

TWO MEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL MURDER

Klerksdorp, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentences handed down to Paseka Motlhabe (40) and Mveleli Notshozi (40) by the Klerksdorp Regional Court. The two men were convicted of the brutal murder of 35-year-old Jerry Moitoi and will each serve life imprisonment. The incident occurred on 28 April 2024 in Orkney. Investigations revealed that Motlhabe and Notshozi were drinking at a local restaurant when the altercation started. Evidence presented in court showed that the deceased, Jerry Moitoi, had taken and sold empty bottles previously used by the accused. When the accused confronted him and demanded the proceeds, he refused to hand over the money. This led to a vicious attack, captured on the restaurant’s surveillance footage, which highlighted the brutal and senseless nature of the crime. Moitoi later succumbed to his injuries, and a murder case was opened.

Both accused were arrested on 9 May 2024 and remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial. They pleaded guilty to the charge of murder, read with the provisions of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Lihloriso Mthoa urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the rise in violent crimes and the particularly heinous nature of the offence. The magistrate agreed, stating that the accused showed no regard for human life and acted in common purpose. The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence and imposed life imprisonment on both.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their diligence and commitment. “The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring accountability. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” said Dr. Makhari.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer – North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
Email: sgunya@npa.gov.za
Cell: 078 172 9367