THREE MEN SENTENCED TO MULTIPLE LIFE TERMS FOR MURDER OF TWO POLICE OFFICERS DURING QWAQWA ROBBERY

Harrismith, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of three men to multiple terms of life imprisonment for the murders of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and the attempted murder of two other victims during a robbery in Qwaqwa.

Deputy Judge President Mbele, sitting in the Free State Division of the High Court in Harrismith, convicted Pakiso Lethako (32), a Lesotho national, Mpho Richard Mosia (29), and Kabelo Anthony Matasane (33) on two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The convictions arise from an incident that occurred on 04 January 2025 at a residence in Mangaung, Qwaqwa. During the robbery, the occupants were dispossessed of two cellular phones and approximately R300 in cash. After the incident was reported, police officers responded to the scene. While carrying out their duties and attending to the complaint, two officers were shot and killed.

The investigation was undertaken by members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit. The matter was investigated by Captain Masekoa of the DPCI in Bethlehem, whose diligent investigation contributed significantly to the successful identification, arrest, and prosecution of the accused.

In addition to the offences for which all three accused were convicted, Pakiso Lethako was further convicted of:

Possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Possession of ammunition without a licence.

Contravention of section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 for being illegally present in the Republic of South Africa; and

Theft.

Mpho Richard Mosia was further convicted of:

Possession of an unlicensed firearm; and

Possession of ammunition without a licence.

During sentencing proceedings, the defence requested the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, arguing that the personal circumstances of the accused constituted substantial and compelling circumstances justifying such a departure.

The State, represented by Advocate Simon Matsoso, opposed the application and argued that the personal circumstances relied upon by the accused did not amount to substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a lesser sentence. The State accordingly submitted that the prescribed minimum sentences should be imposed.

In delivering sentence, the court emphasised the gravity of attacks on members of the South African Police Service, stating that an attack on the police is an attack on society itself. The court noted that police officers represent the authority of the State and were lawfully performing their duties in response to a reported crime when they were killed.

The court further highlighted the need to protect society from perpetrators of serious and violent offences, finding that the accused posed a danger to the community and should be removed from the streets.

Sentences Imposed on All Three Accused

Count 1: Murder – Life imprisonment

Count 2: Murder – Life imprisonment

Count 3: Attempted murder – Life imprisonment

Count 4: Attempted murder – Life imprisonment

Count 5: Robbery with aggravating circumstances – 15 years' imprisonment

Count 6: Robbery with aggravating circumstances – 15 years' imprisonment

Additional Sentences Imposed on Pakiso Lethako

Count 8: Possession of ammunition without a licence – 12 months' imprisonment

Count 9: Possession of an unlicensed firearm – 15 years' imprisonment

Count 10: Contravention of section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 – 18 months' imprisonment

Count 11: Theft – 3 years' imprisonment

Additional Sentences Imposed on Mpho Richard Mosia

Count 13: Possession of ammunition without a licence – 6 months' imprisonment

Count 14: Possession of an unlicensed firearm – 15 years' imprisonment

The sentences underscore the seriousness with which the courts view violent crimes, particularly attacks on police officers who place themselves in harm's way to protect communities and uphold the rule of law.

The NPA welcomes the judgment and commends the investigating team, including the TRT, DPCI and Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, for their dedication in ensuring that those responsible for these crimes were brought to justice. This successful prosecution demonstrates the value of close cooperation between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in securing accountability for serious and violent offences.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting cases involving the murder and attempted murder of police officers, as well as other serious violent crimes, to ensure justice for victims and safer communities.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Free State Division