Media Statement from Free State Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

26 July 2014

A police detective in Bloemfontein managed to secure the conviction of Mbulelo Keteka (18), Tshepo Ndaba (18) and Luckyboy Hlapadimane (22). On Friday, 25 July 2014 Bloemfontein Regional Court Magistrate Koekemoer found all the accused guilty on two counts of murder, one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and one count of attempted robbery. They were sentenced to fifty-five (55) years imprisonment of which both Keteka and Ndaba are required to serve twenty-five (25) effectively while Hlapadimane will serve 27 years because of his previous conviction.

According to the police records the incident took place in Bloemfontein on Thursday, 25 October 2012 at about 2:30 in the morning. The deceased (Batile Ntintile (27) and Andile Mpaka (24) were on their way to the hotel where they were staying. The accused followed them from the local tavern in town planning to rob them. When they were in front of a well-known food outlet in St. Andrew Street, they were confronted and held captive by two accused while the third one was busy searching them. After taking their belongings including one of the deceased cell-phone, the accused ran away.

The police were alerted by the manager of the food outlet. The case was opened and investigated at Parkroad SAPS. Upon thorough investigation done by Detective Warrant Officer Mathibela, the accused were arrested and brought to book.

"We are proud to have members such as Warrant Officer Mathibela in our midst since he left no stone unturned during his investigation. We are also saddened by the men who continue to victimize our community" said Lieutenant General Thabethe Mpembe, the Provincial Commissioner of Free State SAPS.

-End-

Media Enquiries:

Warrant Officer Mohobeleli

Mobile: 079 528 4785

Provincial Corporate Communication Service, Free State
Tel: (051) 507 6475/6405
E-mail: Fsprov.media4@saps.gov.za