DEALSVILLE: The cold-blooded murderer of Dealsville teacher Mosiwa Adam Tshabagae was sentenced to life imprisonment, which constitutes 25 years, plus an additional 18 years, while his co-accused was acquitted. The accused Itumeleng Petrus Mokoena (24) was sentenced on 20 October for killing the deceased, who had worked at the Kgololosego Secondary School.
Mokoena’s co-accused, Seema Morake, was acquitted in the brutal murder case of the teacher.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) of South Africa, confirmed the outcome. He said Mokoena had pleaded guilty to all charges of housebreaking, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and murdering Tshabagae during the proceedings in the Regional Court sitting in Dealsville.
He murdered Tshabagae on 21 September last year, in a house on the school premises. Tshabagae’s body was discovered by three women who had been trying to reach him. Upon not receiving any response, the women decided to check on him, making the gruesome find. They found the teacher’s body covered in a blanket and in a pool of blood.
Senokoatsane said the conviction and sentencing were based on compelling evidence during the trial and followed a diligent investigation.
“Mokoena was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Tshabagae, 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and three years for housebreaking.
“The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, effectively resulting in a life term.
“The court heard that on the evening of 21 September Mokoena broke into the home of the deceased. When Tshabagae confronted him, Mokoena attacked and strangled him before stabbing him multiple times in the neck, causing fatal injuries. He then ransacked the house and stole several items belonging to the deceased, including clothes and a laptop.”
Mokoena’s killing of the teacher shocked residents of the town, located approximately 70km west of Bloemfontein.
The accused was spotted wearing some of the victim’s clothes the following day, by friends of the slain teacher, leading to his arrest.
The accused subsequently made a confession to the police, further pointing out the crime scene.
Senokoatsane said that in handing down the sentence, the state considered the emotional testimony of a family member of the deceased.
“A family member of the deceased delivered an emotional testimony describing the emotional and social impact the murder had on their family and the community.”
Senokoatsane said the state was compelled to withdraw the case against the second accused, Morake, due to insufficient evidence.
“The only evidence linking him to the offence was the confession made by the first accused Mokoena, which was inadmissible. Upon finalisation of the matter, the prosecution requested the accused Mokoena to provide a statement implicating the second accused (Morake), but he declined to do so.”
Senokoatsane said the accused had been remanded in custody and was not granted bail. Angry residents openly objected to Mokoena’s bail − protesting during court hearings.
“The NPA in the Free State welcomed the sentence, commending the collaboration between investigators, the prosecution team, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Leon Ehlers, and community members that ensured justice was served.
“This sentence sends a message that senseless acts of violence, particularly against members of our community who serve and uplift others, will be met with the full might of the law,” Senokoatsane said.
