Jack Tolo's killers get life in jail

4 Apr 2013

The three men accused of killing the former Congress of the People (Cope) Member of Parliament Jack Tolo in August 2011 were found guilty when they appeared at the Polokwane High Court on Thursday.

The 36-year-old man, Peter Motebele, has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years for house breaking with robbery and murder. His co-accused, Oscar Choma (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 15 years, whilst the 46-year-old Alpheus Molepo will spend the rest of his life plus 25 years behind bars.

Two other suspects, Sello Masanabo (34), Mosefo Leshilo (41) were acquitted of their charges but still find themselves in the dock for other crimes committed in the Sekhukhune area. Accused number one, King Solomon Nkosi (40), who is believed to have been the mastermind in the killing of Tolo, lies in in a hospital bed under police guard suffering from a serious chronic illness. Nkosi will be tried alone immediately after he recuperates.

Tolo was murdered at his home in Ga-Masha, Sekhukhune on August 21. During the attack, the accused tied up Tolo's family, shot him, and demanded money, jewellery, and cellphones.

Tolo's cellphone was later recovered from one of the convicted men. Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Simon Mpembe has heaped praises for the team of investigating officers who ensured that justice was served.

"We are pleased with the good detective work done by our investigating officers. It is cases like these which bring out the best in the police and we are happy that we were up to the challenge and the killers will be locked behind bars for good", said Mpembe before sending out a stern warning to wannabe murderers that they will be met with the same fate.

Statement issued by Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, South African Police Service, April 4 2013

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