The Northern Cape High Court handed seven people a hefty sentence for the brutal murder of renowned Kimberley businessman Piet Els.
The tragic case unfolded in January 2018, when Els, an 86-year-old farmer, and his partner were viciously assaulted at their home, Carter Ridge farm.
The brutal attack left Els with severe injuries, resulting in his death 111 days later. Judge President Kathy Satchwell described the heinous nature of the crime, which not only involved murder but also home invasion and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The perpetrators, Morapedi Rankali, 28, Motlalalentwe Qhautse, 37, Lizbeth Ndlala, 56, Themba Lawrence Maja, 68, Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane, 44, Samson Sam Mbokane, 63, and Jabulani Wilson Zuma, 62, were sentenced to life in prison, receiving a combined sentence amounting to over 100 years.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock provided a vivid recollection of the horrific events. “Els sustained traumatic head injuries and died in hospital after being tortured alongside his 67-year-old female partner, who was sexually and physically assaulted during the attack,” Kock said.
The assault escalated to theft, with the assailants fleeing the scene with cash, jewellery, firearms, a luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicle, and other valuables.
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The investigation revealed a chilling layer of premeditation. According to Mojalefa Senokoatsane, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, one of the murderers, Jabulani Wilson Zuma, claimed to have recruited and transported three traditional healers to assist in the robbery.
The healers were allegedly meant to perform cleansing rituals for the perpetrators following the heinous crime, an unsettling detail that further underscores the calculated nature of their actions.
Zuma, who controversially claimed to be the son of former President Jacob Zuma, attempted to cast himself as a victim of persecution during the trial. However, the court quickly rejected his assertions, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed.
The group confirmed that they worked in concert with individuals from Lesotho.
Meanwhile, the provincial police commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the investigating team as well as the NPA for the impeccable investigation and prosecution of the case.
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