PREMIER MTSHWENI-TSIPANE APPLAUDS PROSECUTION AND IMPOSITION OF LIFE SENTENCES TO KILLERS

12 June 2024

Mpumalanga Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane says the prosecution of two convicts found guilty for serious crimes of rape and murder recently, brings hope that government’s crime-fighting measures are effective. This as the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court handed down three (3) life sentences to Cedrick Khoza and two (2) to Thabang Joseph Selepe for cases of murder, respectively.

Khoza, a police officer at Masoyi police station near Hazyview, was found guilty on three counts of murder. He shot and killed his wife and later her two siblings at Ma-Majika Trust last year. Selepe was found guilty of rape and the brutal murder of two women in the Kwaggafontein area between 2020 and 2022, before his arrest.

Mtshweni-Tsipane says the prosecution of the two is confirmation that the country’s justice system is intolerant to criminals whose violent behaviour pose a serious threat to the well being of the society, especially women and children. “Khoza is a police officer and entrusted with the responsibility to protect society. Sadly, he betrayed the trust by turning against the very same people he is supposed to protect. This is inhumane. We applaud the police for arresting him and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) for removing him away from the society,” she emphasised.

The Premier says by imposing the life sentences for brutal murderers such as Selepe, is a sign that no one is sparred for committing crime. “We are at war against crime and Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). And Selepe’s life sentences are an impetus for this war. We are satisfied that these sentences will send a stern warning to all that Mpumalanga has no place for GBVF and criminal behaviour,” she expatiated.

Mtshweni-Tsipane has conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. She says although the life sentences will not restore the deceased back to life, however, she hopes the punishment will bring closure to the families from the trauma.

ENDS...


Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government

Enquiries:
Premier’s Spokesperson: Sibongile Mkani-Mpolweni
Tel: (013) 766 2453
Mobile: 082 967 2138
E-mail: mpolwenis@prem.mpg.gov.za

Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za