Sosh ‘terrorist’ sentenced to two life terms and 333 years’ imprisonment

Kgaugelo Boikanyo Molefi (31) was sentenced to two life terms and 333 years’ imprisonment for the commission of various crimes when he appeared at the Pretoria high court on Friday.

According to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, Molefi was convicted of 29 counts of crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, pointing of a firearm, and housebreaking with intent to commit robbery.

Mahanjana said Molefi committed all these crimes around Soshanguve from 2014 to 2018.

“In 2014 after committing his first offence, he was arrested but escaped from custody. He was later arrested in 2019 after the Provincial Organised Crime Unit traced him from his hiding place at Kwa-Sokhulumi in Bronkhorstspruit,” he said.

Judge Bam described the crimes committed by Molefi as “overwhelming”, as he and his gang terrorised the community of Soshanguve.

“He attacked people on the streets even in the safety of their homes.”

He added that Molefe did not care even if he was known to the families of the victims.

“He said he did not hesitate to commit crimes on people he was friendly with.”

The judge found this inexplicable and said it clearly showed his character.

“He said his aim was to insert fear in his victims and was successful in this regard as most witnesses were scared to testify. Therefore, there is no reason for the court to deviate from the minimum sentence.”

He said what was “abundantly clear was for the accused to be permanently removed from society.”

Prosecutor, Advocate Esther Kabini, said “I am grateful for the co-operation of the law enforcement agencies and the people of Soshanguve who assisted to bring this matter to finality.”

She urged communities to be vigilant and report any criminal activities “so that we can live in a peaceful and crime-free society”.