Tsietsi’s murder case laid to rest four years later

Katlehong North SAPS Det Sgt Sello Mokgele shares the recent success story of Bonang Motloung’s 2017 murder case.

The case, which took at least four years to conclude, saw its final judgment this year.

Motloung (27) was murdered on April 2, 2017, by Cyril Sikhakhane when he assaulted him on their way home from an event.

Sikhakhane was then arrested and charged with the murder. He was found guilty of murder during his last appearance in Palm Ridge Regional Court on May 28.

The court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and convicted him to 12 years’ imprisonment.

According to Mokgele, the two friends are from Tsietsi, Extension Seven, Palm Ridge.

Mokgele explained that the pair were travelling in a minibus taxi with a group of approximately six or seven people from their neighbourhood.

“They went out to have fun. As they were travelling back, they started assaulting each other along the way. Initially, there were three suspects but it turned out the other two did not participate in assaulting the victim.
“The victim sustained injuries. He was taken to hospital before he succumbed to his injuries,” said Mokgele.

What was the motive?

Mokgele said there was no precise reason for the murder.

“They accused each other of many things and mentioned that the friend disrespected them. It was just silly things influenced by alcohol,” he explained.

Cracking the case

“I won’t say cracking the case was easy. The witnesses were afraid to come forward willingly, I had to convince them. I had to make sure they trusted the law and I assured them that the law will protect them.

“When witnesses are neighbours, you wouldn’t expect any hurdles to crack a case but in this case, it was a different story.

“I managed to get the witnesses to provide statements. The paramedics also helped. I interviewed them after the case was reported, and they were able to describe the deadly assault,” he said.

The suspect was first arrested on April 13 in Braamfischer, Soweto, where he fled to after the incident.

“We found and arrested him in a house he was hiding in. He didn’t resist anything while we explained his charges and his rights,” he said.

Mokgele said the suspect acknowledged the incident and partially admitted guilt before he was handcuffed and taken to Katlehong Police Station.

He was charged with murder and appeared in court. However, he fled to Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal when he got bail.

“I had to follow the information on his whereabouts and informed the police in Nquthu. He was arrested again after violating his bail conditions,” said Mokgele.

Challenges encountered while working on the case

Mokgele said the challenge was that witnesses were not willing to come forward. At times, they would agree and later change their minds, and not attend court.

Another challenge was that the case took time on the roll. When such things happen, it frustrates the witnesses, he added.

He said he is happy that justice has been served, even though it was difficult.

“I was in contact with the deceased’s family most of the time. They believe in the law and they supported me throughout. I believe they are happy with the outcome,” said Mokgele.

Sikhakhane will serve his time at the Johannesburg Correctional Services.