NOORDWESTER – LOMANYANENG - Phako Tlape (33) was found guilty by the Mmabatho Regional Court and sentenced to life imprisonment this week for the murder of Sebule Isaac Sebule (31).
Evidence presented before court by the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Samuel Matiti of the Trio Task Team in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, indicated that police were called to a Tavern in Dithakong West in Lomanyaneng, close to Mahikeng, on Saturday, 29 July 2023 at about 18:40, where the lifeless body of Sebule was found with several stab wounds.
He was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Following up on information received, eyewitnesses positively identified the suspect, Tlape, who was arrested later the same day.
Furthermore, in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearm Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, Tlape was also declared unfit to possess a firearm by the court.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, welcomed this sentence and commended the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Samuel Matiti, as well as the Prosecutor, Advocate Nthabiseng Thabeng, for their collaboration and hard work that led to this success. She further remarked that this lengthy sentence will go a long way towards addressing serious and violent crimes and ensure the removal of dangerous, heartless criminals from society.
