Colesele William Ndalose (40) and Moeketsi Edward Koto (32) were sentenced in the Bloemfontein High Court on charges of murdering a police constable, attempted murder of another police officer and robbery.
Ao. Fikiswa Matoti, spokesperson for the directorate for priority crime investigations (the Hawks), says a group of suspects entered a supermarket in Wepener in the Free State on 10 May 2022. They pointed firearms at the owner.
“They robbed cash, soft drinks and cigarettes before running away.”
The police in Wepener were informed of the robbery and they started an investigation.
“A shootout ensued when the suspects realized they had been cornered.”
Constable Kananelo Mokgothu (22) was shot several times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His colleague was shot and injured.
A case of murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances was filed and the case was handed over to the Falcons’ unit in Bloemfontein, which investigates serious organized crime.
Wendy Susanne Jacobs (43), Ndalose and Koto were arrested.
Jacobs appeared in court on October 3, 2023 and pleaded guilty. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated robbery.
Ndalose was sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery with aggravated circumstances, 10 years for the robbery of firearms belonging to police officers, 10 years for attempted murder and life imprisonment on the charge of murder. All sentences will be served concurrently.
Koto was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated robbery, 12 years for the robbery of firearms belonging to police officers, 10 years for attempted murder and life imprisonment for murder. All sentences will be served concurrently.
Maj. Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, head of the Hawks in the Free State, praised the investigating officer who worked tirelessly to make sure the perpetrators were removed from society.
