HORRIFIC MOB JUSTICE MURDERS RESULT IN TWO LIFE SENTENCES

09 June 2025

HORRIFIC MOB JUSTICE MURDERS RESULT IN TWO LIFE SENTENCES

Limpopo, South Africa – The Limpopo Polokwane High Court has convicted and sentenced Daniel Komana (57), from Ga-Mothapo village, to two life terms of imprisonment for two counts of murder. He was also sentenced to a fine of R8 000, or four years’ imprisonment, half of which is suspended for three years, for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Co-accused Rampedi Jeriel Malatjie (71), from Ga-Molepo, was sentenced to a fine of R8 000, or four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years, for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Mmanaka Phillemon Rasehlo (57), also from Ga-Molepo, received a similar sentence to Komana: a fine of R8,000 or four years’ imprisonment, half of which is suspended for three years for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

All three accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court heard that on 21 October 2019, a group of cattle owners from Sebjeng village arrived at the homestead of the two deceased men, Mack Leposha Mashapa and Makhotla Geoffrey Thabana. The mob forcibly took them to the Sebjeng community hall, where they were interrogated and brutally assaulted. They were later taken to nearby bushes, where they were burned to death. Key witnesses included the wives of the deceased, who testified to the events leading to the horrific murders. The matter was reported to the Mankweng Police, who responded the next morning. The accused were arrested shortly thereafter.

In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that violent crimes of this nature are widespread and that strong punitive measures are necessary to deter communities from taking the law into their own hands. The court accepted that the crimes were premeditated and motivated by personal grievances. Advocate Ratshibvumo emphasised that the accused, as mature adults, should have acted more responsibly.

The Limpopo Polokwane High Court has sent a strong message against mob justice by sentencing a key perpetrator to two life terms for the brutal abduction, assault, and murder of two men. This landmark judgment reaffirms the rule of law and makes it clear that those who take justice into their own hands will face serious consequences. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to holding perpetrators accountable and delivering justice for victims of senseless violence. The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentences as a deterrent to would-be offenders and commended Advocate Ratshibvumo and all stakeholders for their role in securing the conviction

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Email: mmalabi@npa.gov.za
Cell: 074 823 3603