SANGOMA SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR PREMEDITATED MURDER OF CLIENT

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the conviction and life imprisonment sentence imposed on 31-year-old William Thibedi by the Atamelang Regional Court for the premeditated murder of his client.

Thibedi was convicted after the court found that he had lured the deceased into a purported cleansing ritual before brutally murdering and beheading him.

The court heard that in January 2019, the deceased approached Thibedi, a sangoma, seeking assistance with a cleansing ritual. Thibedi enlisted the assistance of his younger brother and a friend and arranged for the ritual to take place in a secluded bush area at night.

Upon arrival, Thibedi began the ritual by pouring water mixed with traditional medicine over the deceased. He then instructed his younger brother and friend to move away, claiming that the next phase of the ritual was confidential and could only be performed in private.

The two complied and left Thibedi alone with the deceased. It was during this time that Thibedi murdered the deceased and beheaded him.

A short while later, the two men returned and were horrified to discover Thibedi cutting off the deceased's head with a knife. When questioned, Thibedi claimed that his ancestors had instructed him to commit the act.

He subsequently dug a grave and buried the deceased's body. The deceased's head and hands were placed in a bucket, which Thibedi removed from the scene. He further threatened his younger brother and friend with dire consequences should they disclose what had occurred.

The deceased's family later reported him missing.

In December 2022, following a dispute between Thibedi and his younger brother, the latter threatened to expose the murder. Their cousin overheard the argument and informed other family members. The information eventually reached the deceased's family, who reported the matter to the police.

A case was opened at Madibogo Police Station, and Thibedi was arrested during the same month.

Following his arrest, Thibedi made a confession and pointed out the locations where he had buried the deceased's remains. Police subsequently recovered the deceased's head and the bucket in which it had been concealed.

The State, represented by Advocate Edward Manicus, presented compelling evidence from several witnesses, including Thibedi's younger brother, his friend, family members, and the investigating officer, Sergeant Magakolodi Moribe.

In its closing arguments, the State submitted that the evidence was direct, corroborated, and free from material contradictions, proving beyond reasonable doubt that Thibedi had committed a premeditated murder.

The court agreed with the State's submissions, finding that the evidence overwhelmingly established the accused's guilt. Thibedi was convicted of premeditated murder.

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Itumeleng Lobese presented aggravating factors, including Victim Impact Statements compiled by Court Preparation Officer Mr Thembinkosi Madiba. These statements outlined the devastating emotional and psychological impact the murder had on the deceased's family.

The State argued that a sentence of life imprisonment was warranted given the gravity of the offence, its premeditated nature, and the fact that Thibedi had exploited the deceased's trust by disguising his intentions as a cleansing ritual.

The court agreed and sentenced Thibedi to life imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West Division, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence.

"This sentence sends a strong message that the criminal justice system will deal decisively with those who exploit vulnerable and unsuspecting individuals for criminal purposes. The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice for victims and their families and to holding perpetrators of violent crimes fully accountable for their actions."

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting serious and violent crimes and protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of all members of society.

Issued by:

 Lindiwe Mabasa

 NPA Communications Officer