Turnrite P2.3m heist sentencing next week
28 Aug 2025
Broadhurst Magistrates Court will next week Friday hand down judgment on four men convicted of robbing a G4S Security cash-in-transit van at Turnrite Mall and stealing P2.3 million.
Magistrate Lesedi-Rammapudi said today after mitigation that Mothusi Matomela, Thapelo Lekobe, Mzwandile Mazibuko and Ntholephi Elliot Ntshalintshali, who are convicted of committing the crime four years ago, would know their fate on September 5.
The quartet, which appeared for mitigation after being found guilty earlier this month, had opted for filing written submissions.
They have all been convicted of robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of goods stolen outside the country, and illegal entry into the country. The latter charge, however, applies only to the two South African nationals, Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali.
Prior to setting the sentence date, State Prosecutor Mr Ambrose Mubika presented the accused persons' previous conviction records, which were read in court and confirmed by the concerned convict.
Matomela has two previous convictions dating as far back as January 1999 and November 2007 for stealing a motor vehicle and robbery.
Lekobe, on the other hand, has convictions for stealing, unlawful wounding, and possession of dangerous weapons from 2001 and 2010.
No previous records were presented for Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali, hence Mr Mubika urged the court to consider them first offenders.
Matomela's lawyer, Mr Oagile Mosepele implored court not to be influenced by his client's previous records as they were more than 10 years old.
He argued that the aggravating factors of previous convictions should not lead to a disproportionate sentence and that the court should consider the person, character, and circumstances of the offense.
"We come before you, Your Worship, and plead with this honorable court that this is a case where justice can be tempered with mercy, and we pray for leniency when passing the sentence," Mr. Mosepele said.
Lekobe, who is self-represented, did not address the court, as did Mr Nkosana Ngwenga, who represented both Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Bonang Masolotate
Location : Gaborone
Event : Court case
Date : 28 Aug 2025
Related News
05 Sep 2025
04 Sep 2025
Mother in Selolwane rape case granted bail
29 Aug 2025
Moshupa Residents Lose Over P400000 to Scam
28 Aug 2025
Court remands traditional healer in custody
25 Aug 2025