13 Aug 2025

Four men charged with robbing a G4S Security cash-in-transit van at Turnrite Mall and stealing P2.3 million have been found guilty. Mothusi Matomela, Thapelo Lekobe, Mzwandile Mazibuko, and Ntholephi Elliot Ntshalintshali were convicted by Magistrate Goabaone Lesedi-Rammapudi of the Broadhurst Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

They will appear before the same magistrate on August 28 for mitigation.

During mitigation, Magistrate Lesedi-Rammapudi said the court would grant them an opportunity to address the court on exceptional extenuating circumstances, considering the seriousness of the offense.

“On the day of mitigation, you are informed that you have the right to address the court on exceptional extenuating circumstances,” Magistrate Lesedi-Rammapudi said.  

The magistrate also ordered the investigating officer to present the four convicts persons to the police for fingerprinting to assist the court in determining any previous convictions.

 She also ordered the prosecution to serve the defence team with a copy of the case record within three days of receipt and further ordered that the four be remanded in custody.

Prior to the guilty verdict, Magistrate Lesedi-Rammapudi said the state had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt on all counts of including robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of goods stolen outside the country, as well as illegal entry into the country which only affected Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali.

“The state has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and the court returns a verdict of guilty on each of the five counts,” she said, noting that the court rejected the alibis raised by each convict.

The first accused, Matomela, stated in his defense that he was arrested near Lamila Lodge in Mogoditshane, claiming he was being assisted by his friend, Tebogo Tsekane, to tow his vehicle from area near Julia Molefhe Clinic to Solomon Dihutso Primary School, adding that he had no involvement in the Turnrite Mall crime.

Lekobe also claimed he was mistakenly arrested, adding that he was apprehended shortly after getting off a combi in Mogoditshane to search for a car part, having travelled from Mmadinare to Gaborone for the part. His friend, Emmanuel Ikanyeng supported Lekobe’s version, telling the court that Lekobe was arrested in front of him near Lamila Lodge and further said they had spoken throughout the day.

Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali also denied any involvement in the crime, telling the court that they were arrested while waiting for a taxi after consulting a traditional doctor in Mogoditshane,on behalf of their ill grandfather back in South Africa. 

The duo further claimed that they had entered the country legally and their passports were seized by the police during arrest. ENDS