A criminal case involving Thaba Nchu-based Dutch Reformed Church congregant Jantjie Malokase (74) and Rev. Simon Melaletsa (52) ended with the latter sentenced to 18 months’ correctional supervision.
He was sentenced for grievous bodily harm in the Thaba Nchu Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (23/11).
Correctional supervision is a community-based sentence that is served by the offender under the control and supervision of correctional officers, subject to conditions that have been set by the court or the Commissioner of Correctional Services. It aims at protecting the community and to preventing convicted criminals from reoffending.
Melaletsa will do community service and work for or with charities.
A stability report, compiled by a correctional officer, was presented in court. The report focused on the reverend’s situation, employment, and family members and others who depend on him.
As a first-time offender, and already involved in community services through the Authentic Hope organisation, the court found Melaletsa a suitable candidate for correctional supervision. The organisation is the reverend’s company that repairs and restores broken school furniture.
Melaletsa stated he was remorseful for his actions, which affected the church, but pointed out that the complainant (Malokase) and others have been provoking the church since 2014.
The incident partly arose from unresolved internal disputes that reached a boiling point on 24 November 2019. In the event, he lightly bumped Malokase with a vehicle after pulling the emergency brakes to avoid a full collision.
The magistrate pointed out that as the reverend, he should have dealt with the situation amicably, rather than resorting to violence.
Malokase testified that the incident had adversely impacted his life and health. He stated that following the incident, he was experiencing difficulty with his left shoulder, despite this not being mentioned in the state’s medical report.
He landed on his left shoulder after the reverend had bumped him. Malokase testified that his daughter was paying for treatment of his shoulder. In addition, he testified that his wife’s health was adversely affected, who suffered a stroke and died in January 2021.
The complainant is the father of retired football star Patrick Malokase, who played for Bloemfontein Young Tigers, Free State Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic, Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars.
