| Life imprisonment for double murder | |
|---|---|
| Date Published | |
| 2026/07/10 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement MAHIKENG - The Acting District Commissioner of Ngaka Modiri Molema, Brigadier (Adv.) Bigboy Dube, has commended the outstanding investigation led by the Lehurutshe Detective Sergeant Motsatsi Eunice Modibetsane, which resulted in Lemogang Mothibi (26) being sentenced to two life terms by the Lehurutshe Regional Court on Monday, 6 July 2026. The court heard evidence that on Monday, 2 December 2019, police responded to a murder scene at Khunotswane Village, Molemane Section. The body of Lazarus Buti Mokopanele (40) was found inside a pit toilet, after signs of a violent struggle were discovered in his room. Investigations led police to Mothibi, who had been treated by Emergency Medical Services after attempting to harm himself. The following day, police recovered another body of Kadimo Abram Mokopanele (40) in a different pit toilet, after family members reported him missing. DNA evidence later linked Mothibi and a second suspect, Jan "Cobra" Motswaedi, to the murders. However, Motswaedi died before the trial was concluded, leaving Mothibi to stand trial alone. Evidence presented before court indicated that the murders were motivated by money. Mothibi murdered Lazarus Mokopanele and concealed his body in a pit toilet. When Kadimo questioned his brother's whereabouts, he was also killed to eliminate him as a witness, and his body was dumped in another pit toilet. Mothibi was sentenced as follows: * Count 1 (Murder): Life imprisonment in terms of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. * Count 2 (Murder): Life imprisonment in terms of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. Lastly, Mothibi was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Brigadier (Adv.) Dube praised the investigating team and prosecution for their dedication and professionalism, saying the sentence reflects the commitment of the South African Police Service in ensuring justice for victims and their families. Ends
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