NPA SECURES 30-YEAR SENTENCE FOR MURDERER AND RAPIST, AS ACCOMPLICE RECEIVES 15 YEARS FOR MURDER

Mothibistad, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and substantial custodial sentences imposed by the Mothibistad Regional Court on Mosepidi Morubisi (40) and Thabo Sethibo (29) for their involvement in a series of serious violent crimes, including murder and rape.

Morubisi was sentenced to an effective 30 years' direct imprisonment, while Sethibo was sentenced to 15 years' direct imprisonment for the murder of Letlhogonolo Maduo. The sentences were handed down by Acting Regional Court Magistrate Stephen Hinana following a successful prosecution by Regional Court Prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor.

The two accused were tried together on a charge of murder relating to Maduo's death. Morubisi also faced charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, murder and rape. In describing the extraordinary sequence of events presented during the trial, the court remarked that the matter read "like a novel" due to the interconnected nature of the offences committed over a period of approximately 18 months.

The court heard that on 01 April 2023, after spending time at a local tavern in Maruping Village, Kuruman, four female friends were walking to another tavern when they were joined by Morubisi. He asked to borrow the cellphone of Ntebogang Moolman to contact her boyfriend. An argument subsequently broke out between Morubisi and one of the women, during which he struck her on the head with a beer bottle.

The remaining women fled the scene. Morubisi later caught up with Moolman and stabbed her in the chest, killing her. He was subsequently arrested and released on bail in connection with the matter.

While out on bail, Morubisi committed a further violent offence.

On 14 April 2024, he unlawfully entered the home of a 16-year-old girl who lived with her mother and siblings. The court heard that Morubisi told the victim he was responsible for Moolman's murder and used this information to intimidate her into submitting to him. He proceeded to rape her in the presence of her infant child and two younger siblings, aged eight and nine. When the victim's eight-year-old brother attempted to intervene, Morubisi kicked him, causing him to fall to the ground.

The Kuruman Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) played an important role in supporting the rape survivor. As part of the integrated response to sexual offences, the TCC facilitated access to medical services and psychosocial support. Thuthuzela Care Centres provide a victim-centred and coordinated response by linking survivors to essential services, including medical treatment, counselling, psychosocial care, assistance with reporting offences and court preparation. This integrated approach seeks to minimise secondary victimisation, uphold the dignity of survivors and support them throughout the criminal justice process.

Although the rape matter was initially struck off the court roll pending the finalisation of DNA results, it was later re-enrolled and successfully prosecuted.

The third incident occurred on 14 October 2024 at a local tavern, where Morubisi became involved in an argument with Letlhogonolo Maduo, who was Moolman's boyfriend. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Morubisi's role in Moolman's murder. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in both men being removed from the premises.

Outside the tavern, Maduo was approached by friends of Morubisi and chased behind the establishment. Sethibo then attacked Maduo, stabbing him 15 times, including eight stab wounds to the back. Despite being rushed to hospital, Maduo later succumbed to his injuries.

Both Morubisi and Sethibo were arrested and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.

At the conclusion of the trial, Morubisi was convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, the murder of Moolman and rape. He was acquitted on the murder charge relating to Maduo. Sethibo was convicted of Maduo's murder.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Bronkhorst-Oor emphasised Morubisi's lack of remorse, including his apparent willingness to boast about Moolman's murder and his attempts to intimidate witnesses during the trial. In respect of Sethibo, the State argued that he had senselessly taken Maduo's life in defence of his "grootman", Morubisi.

The court agreed with the State that the sentences imposed on Morubisi for murder and rape should not run concurrently, as the offences were committed approximately a year apart and constituted separate and serious criminal conduct. The court further found that neither accused had demonstrated substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences.

Morubisi was sentenced to:

• 15 years' direct imprisonment for murder;

• 15 years' direct imprisonment for rape; and

• 15 years' direct imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The sentences for murder and rape were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective sentence of 30 years' direct imprisonment.

In what the court described as a case that "read like a novel", Magistrate Hinana sentenced Sethibo to 15 years' direct imprisonment, noting the significance of the sentence in relation to the 15 stab wounds inflicted on Maduo.

Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Morubisi was further ordered to have his particulars entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 and was declared unsuitable to work with children.

The NPA commends the prosecution team and court-support structures for ensuring that justice was served. Court Preparation Officer Beauty Moreeng played a critical role in preparing witnesses, including minor children, to testify and facilitated the compilation of Victim Impact Statements, which enabled the court to fully appreciate the profound emotional and personal impact of the offences on the victims and their families.

This outcome reflects the seriousness with which the NPA pursues violent and sexual offences. It further demonstrates the importance of effective prosecution in holding offenders accountable, protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that victims receive the support necessary to participate meaningfully in the criminal justice process.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division