In a landmark ruling, the High Court in Polokwane, Limpopo, has sentenced Stanley Leshabane, Ndondo Buthelezi, Thembelani Dlamini, and Bhekizenzo Phiyose to life imprisonment for each of the two counts of murder.
The case, presided over by Judge Gerrit Mueller, concluded with a stern sentencing report that emphasized the severity and premeditated nature of the crimes.
Judge Mueller underscored the lack of remorse displayed by the four convicts as a critical factor in their sentencing.
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The court found Leshabane, the principal perpetrator, to be fully aware that his wife, Makoena Mabusela-Leshabane, and her business partner, Tebogo Mphuti, were present together at the time of their execution-style murders.
It was revealed that Leshabane had contracted the murders for a sum of R60,000, a detail that further aggravated the court’s perception of his actions.
The defence teams for Buthelezi and Phiyose have argued for leave to appeal against the convictions and sentences, presenting various reasons during the court proceedings.
In a plea appeal, Leshabane cited his ongoing health issues, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and hypertension, as grounds for leniency, and mentioned his young children’s financial needs following their mother’s death.
Peggy Mafojane, sister of the deceased Makoena Mabusela-Leshabane, refuted Leshabane’s claims about the children’s financial support.
She affirmed that Makoena had left sufficient wealth to cover the children’s needs, including medical, educational, and general living expenses. According to Mafojane, the children’s future was secure, despite Leshabane’s assertions to the contrary.
