LIMPOPO – Patrick Hatlane (41) of Karoom Village was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Groblersdal Regional Court last Friday for the murder of Solly Mabane (28) on 7 July 2013.
Mabane died on the scene and the accused ran away. Police arrested him where he was hiding in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria after they received a tip-off from the community.
He was earlier released on R500 bail, but on Friday the court sent a clear message to the community that life should be respected.
Spokesperson for the Marble Hall police, Const Lethunya Mmuroa, confirmed to the court that they arrested Hatlane while he was on the run.
“This sentence sends a stern warning to criminals, and restores trust between communities and the police. We appeal to the community to report crime and work with us to ensure a safer environment,” Mmuroa said.
