MORAPEDI SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS IN A LANDMARK RULING!
The Bethlehem Regional Court has delivered a landmark sentence against 36-year-old Raleboga Johannes Morapedi, sentencing him to three life terms for the brutal, premeditated murder of three individuals in 2024.
The conviction stems from a chilling incident that occurred on the afternoon of 31 March 2024.
The court heard how the accused targeted a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie in which the three victims were travelling.
Morapedi flagged down the vehicle, appearing to request a lift or assistance. Once the vehicle stopped, he climbed onto the back of the bakkie and opened fire on the occupants.
Two of the victims were killed instantly at the scene. The third victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries later that day.
During the trial, the court found that the murders were not random acts of violence. Evidence presented revealed that. The accused was well-acquainted with the deceased.
The attack was meticulously planned and executed with the clear intent to terminate their lives.
The successful prosecution was the result of a dedicated joint effort between Detective Sergeant Letlojane of the Organised Crime Investigation Unit (Anti-Gang) and Nhlapo of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Raleboga Johannes Morapedi was found guilty on all three counts of murder. The Bethlehem Regional Court handed down the following sentence for the murder of the following victims:
• Sello Lefaso (39 years): Count 1 (Murder) Life Imprisonment
• Motsie Mokoena (73 years): Count 2 (Murder) Life Imprisonment
• Lehlohonolo Kgaso (29 years) Count 3 (Murder): Life Imprisonment
The Free State Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Apaphia Modise has lauded Detective Sergeant Lefa Letlojane for his meticulous investigative work and thanked Prosecutor Nhlapo for ensuring that justice was served.
This sentence serves as a stern warning that those who plan and execute violent crimes will face the full might of the law.
