One accused sentenced to 630 years for Driekop bus bombing

The Limpopo High Court on Monday sentenced Kgaugelo Moime (30) to a total of 630 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty on six charges of murder and 48 charges of attempted murder related to an incident in April last year when a bus carrying mine workers was petrol bombed outside Burgersfort.
Moime appeared with fellow accused, Sipho Khumalo (29), Philemon Makwana (35) and Thabo Mokgala (29) in the Limpopo High Court. The case against the other three was postponed to 20 to 30 April 2020 for trial while Moime, who had pleaded guilty, was sentenced.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe confirmed the sentencing and indicated that Moime had been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on each count of murder and 10 years for each count of attempted murder. The sentencing will be served concurrently.
Ngoepe referred to the incident which resulted in the sentencing and said that six people died and 48 were injured when a bus they were travelling in was attacked and set alight by a group of persons.
The incident happened on 2 April 2018 at about 20:00. Workers were travelling to Modikwa Platinum Mine in Driekop outside Burgersfort when it stopped along the road to pick up more commuters. Unknown suspects approached the bus and allegedly used petrol bombs to set the bus alight.
Ngoepe remarked that six persons, four of whom were men and two women were burnt beyond recognition while others were injured.
Police registered cased of murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property and a high-level investigation team was established to track down the suspects.
He added that five suspects were arrested within two days after the incident. The fifth suspect was released after he could not be positively linked to the incident.
Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba has welcomed the sentences and congratulated the investigating team for a job well done.

Story: RC Myburgh
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