LIFE SENTENCES IMPOSED FOR TRIPLE MURDER IN FICKSBURG
20 FEBRUARY 2026
LIFE SENTENCES IMPOSED FOR TRIPLE MURDER IN FICKSBURG
Ficksburg, Free State – The Ficksburg Regional Court has sentenced Raleboga Johannes Morapedi(36) to three terms of life imprisonment following his conviction on three counts of premeditated murder. The convictions relate to an incident that occurred on 31 March 2024.
The court heard that during the late afternoon of that day, the accused flagged down a white Isuzu double cab in which the three deceased were travelling. After the vehicle stopped, the accused climbed onto the back of the vehicle and opened fire on the occupants. Two of the victims, Sello Lefaso (39) and Abiel Mokoena (73), were declared dead at the scene. The third victim, Lehlohonolo Khasu (29), later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
The court found that the accused knew the deceased and had carefully planned and executed the murders. He was accordingly sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the three counts. Bail was successfully opposed, and the accused remained in custody throughout the proceedings.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Prosecutor Nhlapo, argued that the murders were committed in cold blood and that the accused demonstrated no remorse for his actions. The State submitted that the victims were unsuspecting and unaware of the accused’s intentions, reflecting a complete disregard for human life. The court was urged to impose a sentence that appropriately reflected the gravity and brutality of the offences.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence and commends the prosecution and the investigating team for their diligent efforts in securing justice for the victims and their families.
The NPA reiterates that human life is fundamental, must be valued, and protected. The Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and to safeguarding communities across the Free State through the vigorous and uncompromising prosecution of serious offences.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539