KEY POINTS
- Four men were convicted for the 2021 murder of two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete, after a brutal attack involving hammers and arson.
- The suspects were also found guilty of robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms, with sentencing scheduled for March 7, 2025.
- The case highlights the dangers faced by police officers in South Africa and has sparked calls for stronger measures to combat violent crime and protect law enforcement personnel.
The Mafikeng High Court has convicted four men for the brutal murder of two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete, in a case that has shocked the nation.
Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs, Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale, Rapula George Keaikitse, and Mathews Modukanele were found guilty on multiple charges, including murder, robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms. The sentencing is set for March 7, 2025.
Timeslive reports that the tragic incident occurred on July 26, 2021, when the two officers from the Mareetsane police station stopped a vehicle transporting 18 goats.
The suspects failed to produce a valid permit for the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station. However, the situation took a horrifying turn when the suspects’ vehicle broke down, and they asked for assistance.
A gruesome attack
“As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Sivenathi Gunya.
The suspects then drove the police van to Mosita Wildlife Farm near Vryburg, where they set it ablaze with the officers inside. The bodies of Ntsekeletsa and Molete were found burnt beyond recognition.
The investigation led to the arrest of the four men at a house in Logageng, where a Z88 pistol with nine rounds of ammunition was discovered hidden under a mattress. A fifth suspect, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that led to the withdrawal of charges against him.
The conviction of the four men brings a measure of closure to the families of the slain officers, but the pain of their loss remains. Constable Ntsekeletsa, 50, and Sergeant Molete, 42, were dedicated officers who served their community with distinction. Their deaths have highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in South Africa, where violent crime remains a significant challenge.
The NPA praised the work of the investigative team and the state witness, whose testimony was instrumental in securing the convictions. “This case demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the community in bringing criminals to justice,” Gunya said.
The brutal murder of the two officers has reignited calls for stronger measures to protect police officers and combat violent crime.
Police unions and community leaders have urged the government to provide better resources and support for law enforcement agencies. The case has also underscored the need for stricter enforcement of laws related to illegal firearms and livestock theft, which are often linked to violent crime in rural areas.
As the four convicted men await sentencing, the families of the slain officers are left to mourn their loss.
The sentencing on March 7 will be a critical moment for justice, but it will also serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to ensure the safety of those who protect and serve.
