Kidnapping and murder accused gets hefty sentence
Matsitsi
The Polokwane High Court has on Monday 12 February handed down a hefty sentence on a 40-year-old accused, Khomotso Tiger Mogola, who was found guilty of kidnapping and murder of Matsisi Village woman in an incident that occurred in January 2023.
Mogola was sentenced to 23 years direct imprisonment for murder and kidnapping of Thobile Skhosana, whose lifeless body was found at the Khathaweni River on 5 January 2023.
Skhosana, who was an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member, was buried at Matsisi Village on Sunday 8 January 2023, with the EFF Sekhukhune Regional leadership leading the funeral proceedings.
During the trial, the court noted that on Saturday 31 December 2022, the deceased left her home to celebrate the New Year’s Eve at Holnek Sports Ground in the Zaaiplaas Policing area.
She didn’t return home after the event and was reported missing by her family at Hlogotlou Police Station.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said preliminary investigation revealed that, the victim was seen being dragged by an unknown African male who led her into his motor vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, and left with her.
“On Wednesday, 4 January 2023, information was received about the suspect who was involved in the disappearance of Thobile Vinolia Skosana. The police followed up on information and discovered the discomposed body of the victim at the Khathazweni River,” explained Ledwaba.
He said a case of murder and kidnapping was opened for investigation and Sergeant Thekupi Mapaleng and Sergeant Poto Matsobane Edward, were tasked with the investigations and they made sure justice was served for the victim, through their diligent investigative skills, the accused was denied bail until he was found guilty.
“The accused was positively linked to the offenses and was arrested on 4 January 2023, charged with kidnapping and murder. The accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for kidnapping and 18 years imprisonment for murder. Both charges will run concurrently,” said Ledwaba.
Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentencing and commended the police for thoroughly investigating the case.
