Seven times life imprisonment for killing seven people on the Lismore farm in die Kestell district in July 2022.
This is the harsh sentence, with an additional 35 years, handed down to Kamohelo Motankisi, from Tlholong, Kestell, in the Free State High Court on Thursday, 24 October.
Tseko Lerato Selepe, the other accused, had been sentenced by the same court to 30 years’ direct imprisonment on 13 March.
They were apprehended by the authorities after posting a photo of themselves with stolen firearms on social media after the murders.
Both were arrested on 15 July 2022.
The murder victims are: Paulinah Mothoduwa Moloi (37), Nontwasefani Loti Smith (54), Nokufa Portia Mofokeng (31), Lerato Julie Moloi (34), Nomasonto Christinah Zulu (57), Nomasonto Maduna (44) and Rhudie Binta (18). They sustained multiple stab and gunshot wounds, and two women were sexually assaulted during the commission of the crimes by Motankisi and Selepe.
The duo faced 12 charges, which included among others housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery under aggravating circumstances and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Lt. Gen. Baile Motswenyane, Free State police commissioner, thanked the entire investigation team, especially Capt. Alfons Kokonyana, whose tireless detective efforts have been “instrumental in bringing justice to the victims and their families”.
After being sentenced, Motankisi took to the stand and apologised before the court to all members of the families he wronged.
