7 Suspects Jailed For Life Over Brutal Murder Of Kimberley Businessman

The Northern Cape High Court has handed down life sentences to seven individuals involved in the brutal murder of Kimberley businessman Piet Els.

The case, which unfolded in January 2018, shocked the local community and left lasting scars.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Malawi Court Rules Bushiri And Wife Must Be Extradited And Face Charges In South Africa

Els, an 86-year-old farmer, and his 67-year-old partner were viciously assaulted at their home on the Carter Ridge farm.

Tragically, Els died from his injuries 111 days later.

The court condemned the crime, describing it as not only a brutal murder but also an armed robbery and home invasion with aggravating circumstances.

Brutal Attack And Chilling Details Of Premeditation

The attackers, identified as Morapedi Rankali (28), Motlalalentwe Qhautse (37), Lizbeth Ndlala (56), Themba Lawrence Maja (68), Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane (44), Samson Sam Mbokane (63), and Jabulani Wilson Zuma (62), carried out a savage assault that left Els with traumatic head injuries.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Kgomotso Christopher’s Daughter Larona Shuts Down Matric Dance In A Fiery Red Gown!

Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock detailed the horrific events, stating that Els was tortured before succumbing to his injuries in hospital.

His partner was also severely assaulted, enduring both physical and sexual abuse during the attack.

In addition to the violence, the perpetrators stole a significant amount of cash, jewelry, firearms, and a luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

However, it was the shocking revelation of premeditation that made the crime even more unsettling.

Jabulani Wilson Zuma, one of the key suspects, claimed to have recruited three traditional healers to assist in the robbery.

These healers were allegedly meant to perform cleansing rituals for the criminals after their horrific actions.

Life Sentences

In a landmark ruling, the court sentenced all seven criminals to life in prison, totaling more than 100 years in combined sentences.

Judge President Kathy Satchwell condemned the group’s actions, emphasizing the severity of their crimes.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Liquor Board Suspends Zanzou Nightclub’s Operating Licence Amid Criminal Probe

Zuma, who controversially claimed to be the son of former President Jacob Zuma, attempted to portray himself as a victim of persecution during the trial.

However, his claims were swiftly rejected by the court, which focused on the brutal nature of the crime and the calculated actions of the assailants.

The investigation also revealed that the group had worked in concert with individuals from Lesotho, further complicating the case.1

---

For SA Crime News Follow SurgeZirc SA on Facebook,  X and Instagram