By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Phokeng Regional Court sentenced Thabo Ernest Nkoane (31), to life imprisonment for murdering his mother and burning her remains inside their home.
Nkoane’s conviction emanates from an incident that occurred on 22 December 2017, at Buanja Lefaragatlha village near Phokeng, whereat he murdered his mother, by chopping her into pieces before burning her remains.
According to Henry Mamothame,
NPA Spokesperson the neighbours and friends of the deceased were surprised by her prolonged absence from work and church.
“They were also shocked by the smoke that came out of the tiled roof of the house on the day she was murdered.
“The matter was reported to the police and upon investigating the whereabouts of the deceased on 26 December 2017, they found burnt human remains.
“Nkoane was subsequently arrested and charged with pre-meditated murder. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and the court also denied him bail,” said Mamothame.
In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Obed Molope urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.
He further indicated on how Nkoane infringed on his mother’s right to life, right to equal protection and benefit of law and right to dignity.
Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and highlighted that Nkoane is not a candidate for rehabilitation as he is cold-blooded, arrogant, and remorseless.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo lauded the investigating officer, prosecutor and all the role players who contributed towards this conviction.
“We laude members of the community for their role in the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. We need such advocacy in our communities in the fight against crime”, she concluded.