The accused - Morapedi Rankali, 32, Motlalentwa Qhautse, 42, Lizbeth Ndlala, 61, Themba Lawrence Maja, 63, Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane, 49, Samson Sam Mbokane, 68, and Jabulani Wilson Zuma, 67 - were sentenced in the Northern Cape High Court on Tuesday.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
THE INDIVIDUALS convicted of the robbery and murder of Kimberley businessman Piet Els, 86, and the brutal attack on his 67-year-old partner will serve jail time ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment after being sentenced in the Northern Cape High Court.
Els sustained traumatic head injuries and died after spending 111 days later in hospital, while his partner was sexually and physically assaulted during the attack.
The incident took place on Els’ farm, Carter Ridge, on January 24, 2018, where the couple were assaulted and tortured. Items including money, gold coins, diamonds, jewellery, cameras, firearms, and a Mercedes-Benz were stolen from the property.
The accused - Morapedi Rankali, 32, Motlalentwa Qhautse, 42, Lizbeth Ndlala, 61, Themba Lawrence Maja, 63, Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane, 49, Samson Sam Mbokane, 68, and Jabulani Wilson Zuma, 67 - were found guilty on multiple charges, including murder, housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, a sexual offence, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said a thorough police investigation led to the arrest of the accused.
“During the trial, the court heard that Jabulani Zuma, who claimed to be the son of former President Jacob Zuma, had recruited and transported three traditional healers and another individual to Kimberley to commit the robbery. Upon arrival, they joined a group from Lesotho. The traditional healers were allegedly brought to perform cleansing rituals for the perpetrators after the crime. In his testimony, Jabulani Zuma claimed he was being persecuted like his father for crimes he did not commit. However, the court rejected his claims,” said Senokoatsane.
The accused in the Piet Els murder and robbery trial were sentenced in the Northern Cape High Court on Tuesday.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions for the Northern Cape, advocate Johannes Cloete, argued that the accused acted with premeditation.
“He emphasised that this was not a random crime but a meticulously planned, cold-blooded attack. Cloete highlighted that each accused played a distinct role in the crime, from planning and execution to the escape and attempts at supernatural cover-ups. He asserted that the severity of the crime warranted the harshest possible punishment to ensure justice for Els and his loved ones,” said Senokoatsane.
Northern Cape High Court Judge Lawrence Lever on Tuesday sentenced Rankali to three years imprisonment for theft, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of theft or dishonesty during this period. He had already served two years and three months in custody while awaiting trial.
Qhautse was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, along with 20 years for housebreaking with intent to commit robbery and five years for sexual assault. The sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence.
Lizbeth Ndlala, her former husband Maja, and Mbokane were each sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Mahomane was sentenced to 20 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years for sexual assault. These will run concurrently with his life sentence for murder.
Zuma will serve 20 years for housebreaking with intent and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Members of the SAPS Provincial Organised Crime Investigation team - Captain Siretta Zandberg, retired Colonel Wilmo Vermeulen and Lietutenant-Colonel Hanlie Conradie
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
Senokoatsane commended the prosecution team, led by advocate Cloete, for their dedication in securing justice.
“The NPA also acknowledges the South African Police Service for their exceptional investigative work, ensuring the accused were brought to justice.
“The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting serious crimes such as murder and robberies with aggravating circumstances, which threaten the safety and well-being of our communities. Justice must be served for victims of crime,” he added.
The provincial commissioner for the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentences, following the arrest of the seven accused in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Kimberley between 2018 and 2020.
She commended the investigating team, as well as the NPA, for the “impeccable” investigation and prosecution of the case.
“The team ensured that justice was served despite a life being lost in the process. The SAPS units and role-players involved in the investigation, including the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit and Crime Intelligence, spent many sleepless nights and long hours to ensure that these hefty convictions were secured.”