Three men, Arthur Khoza (19), Mahlatsi Nkuna (21), and Thato Mosetla (22), have been found guilty on all charges related to the murder of 24-year-old LGBTQI activist Sam Mbatha. The verdict was delivered in the North West High Court of South Africa on Tuesday, and the sentencing has been postponed to 25th July.
The accused faced charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, murder, malicious damage to property, and defeating the ends of justice. Judge Frances Reid, presiding over the case, found all three men guilty after the state presented evidence from five witnesses who testified about the incidents leading to Mbatha’s death.
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The arrest of the trio followed an intensive investigation by the police, which linked them to Mbatha’s murder. The investigation led officers to a house in Phutha section near Klipgat, where bloodstains were discovered on the floor, under and on top of a bed, and on a carpet. DNA testing confirmed the positive identification of Mbatha.
Furthermore, an axe believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was found on the roof of the house. Mbatha’s body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng section on 17th June 2021.
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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) North West spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, stated that the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the judgment and expressed hope for a suitable sentence to be imposed against the trio when the matter returns to court in July.
