Accused sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder at initiation school

The accused, Mpho Patrick Tladi, from Bluegumbosch, Qwaqwa was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for the murder of Thabang Edwin Mokotla (25).

The court also sentenced the accused to three years direct imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to the murdered victim’s twin brother, Thabiso Edward Mokotla from Sasolburg.

According to the police report, the twin boys attended the initiation school Velddevrede Farm in Makwane, Qwaqwa in December 2018. After noticing the inhumane and unhygienic conditions at the initiation, the boys the complained.

“The accused then attacked them with a knobkerrie, injuring one twin and killing the other,” stated the police report.

On Friday, 11 March 2022, the court found the accused guilty for murder and assault. He will serve 15 years for murder and three for assault.

The two sentences will however run concurrently, and the accused will therefore serve 15 years in prison.

Free State acting provincial commissioner, Major General Solly Lesia, welcomed the sentence and applauded the investigating officer for work.