Thabo Motaung was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Rustenburg Regional Court on Monday 17 April 2023. 

According to the provincial police spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso, Motaung was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, seven years imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm, five years imprisonment for the unlawful possession of ammunition, two years imprisonment for discharging a firearm, and 12 months imprisonment for being an illegal immigrant.

Rikhotso explained that the accused was arrested on 30 November 2020, after he was involved in a business robbery that took place in Marikana where he robbed a shop with his accomplices. 

Motaung was spotted with other suspects at an informal settlement in Marikana. They shot at police when they attempted to approach them. A shootout ensued, resulting in the fatal killing of a police officer and the subsequent arrest of the shooter.

A 9 mm firearm and ammunition were seized for further investigation.

Rikhotso earlier reported the matter was taken over by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks.

OFM News