24 years imprisonment for two men who killed EFF’s Koketso Mojatau

Mojatau

Cape Town — The two men who killed Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Koketso Mojatau, and his field Siboniso Sokhele, were sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Simon Mahuse (28) and Frans Ntshumavelo (30) were sentenced by the High Court of South Africa in Gauteng. The two men hijakced Mojatau and Sokhele in April 2023 in Phumula. The  National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) found the duo guilty in July 2024 and faced multiple charges including two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, IOL reported.

NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjondwane, said the duo received sentences totalling 73 years, but due to concurrent sentencing, they will serve an effective imprisonment of 24 years in jail.

The NPA said Mahuse and Ntshumavelo were arrested following a tip-off by the community to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), The Citizen reported.

“The EMPD traced the suspects to a Phumula address. Upon arrival, further intelligence revealed that they were involved in a string of robberies, and suspicious items were discovered at the scene,” Mjonondwane said.

Later that evening, four suspects approached the house and were confronted by police, leading to a shootout. One suspected escaped and another sustained fatal injuries, while Mahuse and Nsthumavelo were arrested.

Due to the evidence presented in court, the accused used firearms to rob and murder Mojatau and Sokhele. Despite pleading not guilty, senior State Prosecutor, Matthews Rampyapedi, proved their guilt.
“In her ruling, Acting Judge Johnson deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence, taking into account the accused’s circumstances, including their relative youth and potential for rehabilitation,” said Mjonondwane.
In a statement, the EFF in Gauteng acknowledged the sentencing of Mahuse and Ntshumavelo but was disappointed that the two suspects were not sentenced to life imprisonment,
“While the EFF accepts this decision, we are not entirely satisfied. In our opinion, the defendants did not present any mitigating circumstances that would warrant a deviation from the life imprisonment that their crimes deserve,” Nkululeko Dunga said.

He added that there was concern that these individuals have access to private legal representation, meaning they would appeal the decision.

“The EFF in Gauteng will continue to monitor the situation regarding this case. We appreciate all the Fighters who have closely followed the developments and supported the Mojatau family in their quest for justice for Koketso’s murder,” Dunga said.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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