In 2020, OFM News reported that the body of constable Thato Makhoana (26) was found next to the road, with multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

ALSO READ: Another NW policeman slain

https://www.ofm.co.za/article/centralsa/294279/another-nw-policeman-slain

According to the Hawks provincial spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso, the two men who were arrested for the murder of the officer - Magano Clouphus Tsatsi (46) and Goitseone Chiwawa Maseng (34) - were sentenced in the North West High Court on 4 October 2022.

Judge André Petersen sentenced the duo to life imprisonment each for murder, and fifteen (15) years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances after the state prosecutor Adv. Cain Nontenjwa successfully led their prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The deceased, Makhoana, went missing while allegedly en route to visit his sister in Zeerust. The officer's vehicle was found torched in the Majemantsho village near Lomanyaneng, far from where his body was found outside Mahikeng. The duo were apprehended by the Hawks after the police launched their 72-hour Activation Plan.

ALSO READ: Eight more suspects arrested for murder of NW officer

Initially, at least eight people were arrested but the charges were later dropped against them, except for the two who have since been sentenced.

“A multi-disciplinary team, consisting of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, assisted by members of Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Detective Services, K9, Crime Intelligence and Flying Squad launched a man-hunt for the killers. During investigations, the vehicle of the deceased was found torched at the Majemantsho village. Thereafter, on 4 August, one suspect was arrested. A few days later, additional suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of the deceased’s cell phones. It later emerged that Maseng had sold the cell phones to the other suspects and the charges against all the other suspects were subsequently dropped. Maseng confessed to having sold the cell phones and further confessed to have been present during the murder of Constable Mokhoana and indicated that the deceased was shot by Tsatsi,” Rikhotso adds.

Before sentencing, Tsatsi and Maseng were released on R3000 and R2000 bail respectively and made a series of court appearances until ultimately being found guilty.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo hailed the multi-disciplinary team that worked relentlessly to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book. They further applauded the excellent work of both the investigating officer and the prosecutor.

OFM News