Former Clover employees get life sentences for ‘barbaric’ murders of security guards

Former Clover South Africa employees Mohale Cleta Shokane (34) and Vusimuzi Makula Duuba (38) recently received two life sentences each, plus an additional six years for the murders of the company’s security officials, Terence Tegg and Joao Jesus Cassanga.

The High Court Johannesburg Division handed down the sentence after the two were found guilty of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property and murder.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the convictions stem from a violent incident on February 17, 2022, during an industrial protest by Clover South Africa employees, including the two accused.

“Protesters were being transported by buses to submit a memorandum of grievances at the Clover head office in Boksburg when someone threw a stone from one bus, damaging a security vehicle’s windshield.

“The protest quickly escalated, resulting in the brutal assault and murder of the two security officers.

“Evidence presented by investigating officer Captain Robert Seckle proved critical in the trial.

“Key video footage from nearby factories, along with witness testimony, identified Shokane and Duuba as participants in the attack.

“Despite the accused maintaining their innocence throughout the proceedings, senior State advocate Matthews Rampyapedi, successfully argued for the admission of the video evidence and admission statements, leading to their conviction,” said Mjonondwane.

During the sentencing phase, Rampyapedi underscored the horrific nature of the murders, stating that the brutality of the killings far outweighed any mitigating factors the defence had presented. Both victims were stoned to death in a merciless act of violence.

The court agreed, describing the actions of the accused as ‘barbaric and wholly unnecessary’ and noted their lack of remorse.

In delivering the sentence, the court emphasised the importance of deterring similar acts of violence and the need to protect human life.

As a result, Shokane and Duuba were each sentenced to two life terms for the murders, along with six additional years for assault and malicious property damage.

AfriForum reacts
According to a statement by AfriForum, their private prosecution unit, which represented Tegg’s fiancé, Michele Bebbington, and the Cassanga family, worked closely with the police and prosecutor to gather evidence, compile the docket and present the case to court.

“While Terence died on the day, Joao Jesus died four months later, in June, as a result of complications from the injuries he sustained.

“Distressing video footage shows how the mob of striking unionists ambushed and overwhelmed Terence, punched and kicked him to the floor before using rocks and other items to smash his head.

“The attackers then robbed him of his wallet, shotgun and ammunition. The mob chased and overwhelmed Joao Jesus, smashed his head and beat him with his own shotgun,” read the statement.

Barry Bateman, spokesperson for the unit, says the life sentence was appropriate, adding it must serve as a deterrent.

“We hope this conviction and sentence sends a message to the public that taking the law into your own hands has consequences. We applaud the hard work of police investigating officer, Captain Robert Seckle and state prosecutor, Advocate Matthews Rampyapedi,” said Bateman.

Bebbington believes justice was served, the statement read.

“I think they deserve it. You cannot take a life and expect to have your life. I think it is a just sentence.

“I learnt more about the justice system than I wish anyone should have to, particularly that it doesn’t always work as it should.

“In our case, I believe, we were lucky that AfriForum and Captain Seckle were involved and did a great job. I don’t think it is always the case for everybody in these circumstances.

“Thank you to everybody who helped get us this far. I would never have been able to do it on my own and I can understand why,” she said.

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