Cape Town – A former captain in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Tebogo Leburu, was on Wednesday sentenced to 18 years imprisonment after he hijacked a civilian before shooting him in the face.
In a statement, North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the incident happened in 2019 as the former soldier was hiking on the N12 in Klerksdorp.
“Information presented before [the Klerksdorp Regional Court] indicated that Leburu who was a Captain in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), was on Saturday evening, 23 February 2019, hiking on the N12 in Klerksdorp, at a robot close to a local casino.
“A 37-year-old man, driving a white Volkswagen Polo, stopped and offered him a lift. Leburu got into the vehicle and asked to be dropped off at Hartbeesfontein.
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“They were near the Manzilpark turn-off when Leburu suddenly pointed him with a firearm and ordered him to get out of the vehicle.
“The driver exited the vehicle and ran towards Manzilpark, when the accused shot him on his left cheek. He continued running to a nearby house where he was offered help, including informing the police about the incident,” Myburgh said.
Shortly after the incident was reported, police in Hartbeesfontein responded to a complaint of a suspicious and speeding vehicle. It was found at a shop where Leburu was found in possession of the hijacked white Polo.
“The vehicle was searched and the police discovered two bags containing a car radio, keys, a 9mm Glock firearm and magazine with 8 rounds of ammunition. Leburu was arrested after failing to produce a licence for the firearm,” said Myburgh.
Leburu was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for attempted murder, 10 years for car hijacking, 10 years for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, and a further 10 years for possession of suspected stolen property.
“The sentences in count 2, 3, and 4 will run concurrently. The accused has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” said Myburgh.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
