Northern Cape Court Jails 2 Men For Teen’s Brutal Murder Over Stolen Dagga

The Northern Cape High Court in Upington has sentenced two men for the horrific killing of 14-year-old Cashwin Theo Diteho, who was doused with paraffin and set alight over missing dagga.

Judge handed down 25 years’ imprisonment to 41-year-old Elvis Bongani Sikepe, identified as the ringleader, and 10 years to 21-year-old Thomas Christopher Lebitsa. A third accused, Isaac Vywers (21), was acquitted after the court found that he was coerced and victimised by Sikepe.

The crime unfolded on 1 August 2023, when Sikepe discovered dagga missing from his stock. Enraged, he enlisted Lebitsa to track down the culprit, eventually targeting the young teenager.

“Shocking Display of Cruelty” in Northern Cape

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the men dragged the boy from his home despite his mother’s desperate pleas.

On the way, Sikepe ordered Lebitsa to buy paraffin. “The group then drove to the outskirts of Upington, where Sikepe interrogated the child, tied a rope around his neck, and eventually doused him with paraffin,” Senokoatsane said.

“In a shocking display of cruelty, Sikepe, under threat of being burnt himself, forced Vywers to set the victim alight.”

The boy suffered 80% burn wounds and later died in hospital. Instead of admitting guilt, Sikepe falsely told hospital staff that the teenager had tried to take his own life. Forensic evidence revealed marks of strangulation and torture.

Family’s Trauma and Harsh Sentences

Victim impact statements revealed the devastation left behind. “His grandmother was forced to resign from work due to trauma, while his mother continues to live with unbearable guilt and grief,” Senokoatsane said. Letters from schoolmates also highlighted the wider community’s pain.

Despite the defence arguing that Sikepe was a father of three and the family breadwinner, the court found the murder heinous, cruel, and premeditated. Prosecutor Advocate Jaques Rosenberg stressed that Sikepe abused his authority as an older firefighter to manipulate his younger co-accused.

The court imposed 25 years on Sikepe (including six years for kidnapping, to run concurrently) and 10 years on Lebitsa for murder. The NPA condemned the “barbaric” crime, saying it sends a clear message that violence against children will not be tolerated.

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“Human life is invaluable. Crimes of this nature will be pursued with vigour to ensure justice for victims and to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders,” the NPA said.

The NPA added that it hopes the ruling brings some measure of healing to the Diteho family, who continue to endure unimaginable pain.

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