Gangsters Sentenced to 561 Years Behind Bars

BOTSHABELO – The fight between two gangs called Maroma and BTK in Botshabelo and surrounding areas, disturbed community peace. Offences committed were of extreme serious nature and suspects showed no remorse.

On Wednesday 10 October 2022 at about 01:00 Thabang Thipe (19), Tshepo Shomaele (20), Mahlomola Nkone (24) and Puseletso Morobi (25) were in a house at M Section, Botshabelo. The house they were in was set on fire and surrounded by members of the alleged Roman Gang (Maroma), making sure that no one gets out. A burning tyre was thrown in the house to accelerate the inferno.

The victims pleaded with the accused to let them out but the victims were told to burn and die. Thabang Thipe forced himself out and he was stabbed and he died at the scene. Puseletso Morobi and Mahlomola Nkone also forced themselves out, they were also viciously attacked but survived with stab and burn wounds.

Tshepo Shomaele managed to withstand the hot temperature and got out later, but he suffered 45% burn wounds on his body and was hospitalized. He sadly died 9 days later. Cases of 2x Murder, Arson and Attempted murder were opened for investigation at Botshabelo police station. Police managed to arrest some gang members who were allegedly involved.

Around 18 to 20 June 2021 Roman Gang members went out searching for BTK members at their residential places and more cases such as arson, malicious damage to property and murder were opened for investigation. Puseletso Morobi who survived the stabbing and fire was cornered and stabbed to death.

The following 11 suspects who are all affiliated to Roman gang, were arrested and all charged with the POCA act. Sello Lebusa (25), Phumzile Msebenzi (26), Thabang Motsetse (24), Pule Venkile (24), Moitlaledi Mbobo (19), Vuyo Chake (22), Vuyisile Modupe (19), Lehlohonolo Sekitlane (28), Mxolisi Gadrick (18), Oscar Mokake (18), Tshegofatso Chaoane (23)

Advocate Komane and ultimately Advocate Mpemvana from the National Prosecution Authority, working together with Sgt Ephraim Rampina and the Anti-Gang team ensured that they gather enough evidence to keep the suspects in custody until their cases are finalised.

On Thursday 03 October 2024 Judge Mathebula sentenced the accused as follows;

1. Sello Lebusa 2 life term imprisonment for 2 murders, and 29 years for other crimes
2. Phumzile Msebenzi 2 life term imprisonment for 2 murders and 29 years on other crimes
3. Thabang Motsetse 2 life term imprisonment for 2murders and 29 years for other crimes
4. Pule Venkile 2 life term imprisonment for 2 murders and 29 years for other crimes
5. Moitlaledi Mbobo 60 years’ imprisonment for 3 murders and 29 years for other crimes (arrested as a minor, to serve 20)
6. Vuyo Chake 2 life term imprisonment and 29 years for other crimes
7. Vuyisile Modupe 75 years’ imprisonment for 3 murders and 44 years for other crimes (To serve 25 years)
8. Lehlohonolo Sekitlane 3 life term imprisonment and 52 years for other crimes
9. Mxolisi Gadrick 40 years imprisonment for 2 murders and 29 years for other crimes (arrested as a minor, to serve 20)
10. Oscar Mokake 20 years imprisonment for 1 murder and 28 years for other crimes (arrested as a minor, to serve 20)
11. Tshegofatso Chaoane 2 life term imprisonment for 2 murders and 29 years for other crimes

As calculated it is 15 life term imprisonment and 551 years of total sentence. All accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm and were slapped with a further 5 years each on the POCA act.

The Free State Acting Provincial Commisssioner Major General Solly Lesia lauded the investigating team led by Sgt Ephraim Rampina and entire Anti-Gang unit for their sterling work and by ensuring that the suspects spend a long time in jail.