HIGH COURT SENTENCES RUTHLESS KILLER TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND FIREARMS OFFENCES
10 FEBRUARY 2026
HIGH COURT SENTENCES RUTHLESS KILLER TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND FIREARMS OFFENCES
Kathu, Northern Cape – The Kgalagadi Local Circuit Division of the High Court, sitting in Kathu, has sentenced Mogomotsi Jonathan (40) to an effective 15 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on charges of murder, assault, and multiple firearms-related offences. The trial, which commenced in 2024 and concluded in 2026, experienced several postponements due to the accused changing his legal representation. The accused was tried on the following charges: murder, read with section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, as amended; assault by threat; pointing of a firearm, in contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000; unlawful possession of a firearm; and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The offences arose from an incident that occurred on 15 October 2022 at or near Batlharos Village, close to Kuruman. On the evening in question, the deceased, Ohentse Grigory Dithage, and his friends were socialising at a residence. The accused later arrived with companions and requested a lift from the deceased. After dropping them off, the deceased returned alone to the residence. A short while later, the accused returned alone and, without provocation or any altercation, fired shots at the deceased. He then threatened the owner of the house by pointing a firearm at her before shooting the deceased again and fleeing the scene. The deceased was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was gunshot wounds to the head and chest. The accused was subsequently arrested and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter.
During the trial, Senior State Advocate Anel Stellenberg argued extensively in aggravation of sentence, emphasising the seriousness of the offences and the need for a sentence that reflects the gravity of the crime. The State submitted that the accused killed an unarmed acquaintance in a senseless and cold-blooded manner, demonstrated no remorse, and posed a danger to society. The Court was urged to send an unequivocal message that violent crime will not be tolerated, particularly in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
In delivering the sentence, the Court remarked that murder is a serious and prevalent offence in the Kuruman and Kathu areas. The presiding Judge noted that the accused shot and killed an unarmed man who posed no threat and that the accused failed to demonstrate remorse, even at the sentencing stage. The accused was convicted and sentenced as follows: Murder (section 51(2) of Act 105 of 1997): 15 years’ imprisonment, Assault by threat: 10 years’ imprisonment, Pointing of a firearm: 10 years’ imprisonment, Unlawful possession of a firearm: 5 years’ imprisonment and Unlawful possession of ammunition: 2 years’ imprisonment. The Court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 42 years, with an effective sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority reiterates its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are held accountable and to working with law enforcement agencies to restore safety and public confidence. The sanctity of human life remains paramount, and the NPA will continue to vigorously prosecute violent crimes to ensure justice for victims and their families.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539