KIMBERLEY COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 35 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR FIREARMS THEFT AND RELATED OFFENCES
12 SEPTEMBER 2025
KIMBERLEY COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 35 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR FIREARMS THEFT AND RELATED OFFENCES
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court (SCCC) has sentenced Mosiuwa Benjamin Motsoane (43) to 35 years’ imprisonment, of which he will serve an effective 18 years, after his conviction on multiple charges relating to the theft and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
On 6 November 2023, Motsoane, together with his co-perpetrators – two of whom were members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) stole four firearms from the Petrusville Police Station. The stolen firearms included two shotguns, a pistol, and an R5 rifle. After the theft, Motsoane disposed of the safe key by throwing it into a river while travelling to Marquard in the Eastern Free State. Upon arrival in Marquard, one of the accomplices asked Motsoane to store the stolen firearms at his residence. On 10 November 2023, the group attempted to sell the R5 rifle. While en route to Senekal in the Free State, Motsoane and another conspirator were stopped by police, who discovered the R5 rifle in the boot of their vehicle. Motsoane cooperated fully with law enforcement, which led to the recovery of the remaining firearms and ammunition from his home.
In September 2025, Motsoane pleaded guilty and was sentenced as follows: Count 1: Theft 10 years’ imprisonment, count 2: Unlawful possession of firearms 5 years’ imprisonment, count 3: Unlawful possession of a fully automatic firearm 13 years’ imprisonment, count 4: Possession of ammunition 2 years’ imprisonment and Count 5: Money laundering – 5 years’ imprisonment. The court ruled that 5 years of Count 1 run concurrently with Count 3, and that Counts 2, 4, and 5 run concurrently with Counts 1 and 3, resulting in an effective 18-year prison term.
The prosecution was led by Organised Crime Component Regional Court Prosecutor Nicole van Niekerk, who welcomed the sentence as a clear demonstration of the justice system’s determination to combat organised crime and corruption, particularly when it involves law enforcement officials.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirms its commitment to holding accountable all individuals who undermine the rule of law and endanger public safety by dealing in firearms. Such crimes fuel violent offences across communities. The NPA will continue to pursue these matters vigorously, recognising that organised crime is increasingly transnational, often sustained through corruption that undermines governance, erodes public trust, and destabilises institutions.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539