Key Points
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Three SAPS officers sentenced to life for killing Thabo Mopeli.
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The officers also faced additional charges of assault.
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NPA praises investigators for bringing the officers to justice.
Three South African Police Service (SAPS) officers have been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of 32-year-old Thabo Moses Mopeli while he was in their custody.
Sergeant Mbekeni Canuel Dladla, 46, Constable Bongani Selby Zondo, 36, and Constable Richard Mohau Balene, 41, were found guilty of murder and also of assault with the intent to cause serious harm.
Each assault charge adds another year to their sentence. The court also ruled that these officers should never carry firearms again.
The case shows how the officers abused their power and failed to protect the person they were supposed to help.
The events that led to the sentencing
On May 21, 2022, Thabo, Thapelo Johannes Sekete, and Thabang Mopeli were arrested on different charges.
Thapelo and Thabang were picked up for public drinking, while Thabo was arrested for business robbery.
The three men were placed in the same police van, where the officers began beating Thabo.
They used the butt of a firearm during questioning about a missing weapon. The beating continued when they arrived at the police station, and Thabo later died from his injuries.
Witnesses testified that the officers used excessive force. The court condemned their actions, saying they violated their duty to protect the public and caused Thabo’s unnecessary death.
The message from the court
Mojalefa Senokoatsane from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said this sentence sends a clear message: abuse of power by law enforcement will not be tolerated.
The officers also faced internal disciplinary actions, but their two-month unpaid suspensions were seen as too light for such serious crimes.
The NPA praised the hard work of Victor Jabulisa Radebe from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and prosecutor Keiso Abiner Leballo for ensuring justice was served in this case.
