LIMPOPO – The Limpopo provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has welcomed the life imprisonment sentences imposed on four convicted murderers by the Polokwane High Court on Monday.

Victim shot at Mamaolo Village tavern

The court sentenced Bongani Nkuna (34), Bright Ncube (23), Brian Ncube (23) and Tumelo Maloma (32) for the murder of Matome Molema (50), who was fatally shot at a tavern in Mamaolo Village under the Lebowakgomo policing area on July 7, 2024.

The four, who were armed with two pistols, attacked and fatally shot the victim before fleeing the scene in a white Volkswagen Jetta.

Off-duty officer’s pursuit leads to arrests

An off-duty member attached to the Provincial Flying Squad, who lives near the crime scene, heard gunshots and went out to investigate. After receiving information about the shooting, the member booked himself on duty and pursued the vehicle while requesting backup.

Another off-duty police officer joined the pursuit, which was supported by members of the Mookgophong Farm Watch. The coordinated effort led to the arrest of all four men and the recovery of two unlicensed firearms.

Case referred to high court

Separate cases of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition were registered. The investigations were later transferred to the Provincial Investigation Unit and assigned to warrant officer Mokhepo Gafane.

Through meticulous investigation, the investigating officer successfully opposed the bail applications, leading to the matter being transferred to the Polokwane High Court for trial.

Convictions and sentences

The four were convicted on charges of:

• Murder;
• Two counts of possession of unlicensed firearms;
• Possession of ammunition; and
• Contravention of the Immigration Act (applicable to twins Bright and Brian Ncube, who are Zimbabwean nationals).

The court sentenced the men as follows:

• Life imprisonment for murder;
• 15 years’ imprisonment for each count of possession of an unlicensed firearm;
• Three years’ imprisonment for possession of ammunition;
• Two years’ imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act.

The sentences will run concurrently. The four were also declared unfit to possess firearms.

Prosecution praised for swift action

The prosecution was led by Adv Sehlako of the Polokwane High Court.

“This sentence sends a strong message that criminals who use illegal firearms to terrorise and murder innocent people have no place in our society. I commend the swift actions of all the role players as well as outstanding investigation by the detectives,” said Scheepers.