Double Murder Hitman Gets Two Life Sentences Plus 70 Years In North West Court

The Stilfontein Regional Court has handed down two life sentences plus an additional 70 years to Mokhosi Mopheme Manama, a 34-year-old Lesotho national.

Manama was sentenced after he was convicted of double murder, six counts of attempted murder, and illegal possession of a firearm.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Lady Du Mourns Death Of Her Father DJ Choc Ngwenya

The charges stem from a brutal tavern shooting in Kanana that occurred on 4 September 2022.

Tavern Shooting Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

According to North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, Manama was hired as a hitman to murder an individual found inside a Kanana tavern.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fake Doctor Caught Roaming Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital With Stethoscope And Lab Coat

He fired eight shots at the intended victim, who miraculously survived.

Manama then turned his firearm on a group sitting outside the tavern, and murdered two men and injuring five others, including one woman.

The deceased victims were identified as Siyabonga Sikothi (22) and Lebohang Christoffer Mashei (24). The injured survivors, aged between 21 and 37, were treated at a nearby hospital following the attack.

Year-long Manhunt Ends With Arrest In Orkney

After fleeing the scene, Manama remained at large for over a year.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 40 Year Old Woman Arrested In Connection With Mother’s Murder Following Insurance Policy Claims

On 25 March 2023, he was arrested in Orkney following an extensive investigation led by the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit.

A dedicated officer used his personal vehicle to track the suspect, eventually apprehending him with assistance from Orkney police.

Eyewitnesses later identified Manama as the shooter, leading to the denial of his bail application.

Authorities Applaud Justice Served

Both the acting North West provincial police commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, and the provincial director of public prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, have commended the conviction and sentencing.

They praised the investigative work of Sergeant Boeti Matlhoko and state prosecutor Chris Kok, who ensured that Manama remained in custody until his sentencing last week.

---

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