The Johannesburg High Court sentenced former Clover employees Mohale Shokane and Vusumuzi Duumba to life imprisonment on October 14 for the murders of security officers Terence Tegg and JJ Cassanga.

The convictions came after a compelling case led by AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, representing Tegg’s fiancée, Michele Bebbington and the Cassanga family, in collaboration with law enforcement.

Judge Thomas Mathunzi, in his ruling, condemned the severity of the crime, describing the attack as “barbaric and savage.”

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He compared the murders to the killing of police officers, warning that such acts threaten public safety.

Mathunzi noted their lack of remorse, stressing that the sentence was necessary to deter similar crimes.

The murders took place during a strike at Clover’s Olifantsfontein facility on February 17, 2022, when striking workers launched an assault on security guards.

Tegg died on the day of the attack, while Cassanga succumbed to his injuries months later in June.

Disturbing video footage showed Tegg being beaten with rocks, while Cassanga was beaten with his own firearm.

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AfriForum’s spokesperson Barry Bateman welcomed the life sentences, calling them a strong stance against mob violence.

He commended the efforts of investigating officer Captain Robert Seckle and state prosecutor Advocate Matthews Rampyapedi for their work in securing the convictions.

“Too often we see the perpetrators of mob justice and violent protesters who engage in wanton criminality going unpunished, despite there being video evidence documenting their misdeeds. We hope this conviction and sentence sends a message to the public that taking the law into your own hands has consequences,” said Bateman.

Bebbington expressed satisfaction with the ruling, describing it as just and crediting AfriForum and Seckle for their dedication in achieving justice.