Premier Mtshweni-Tshipane
By Kopano Dibakwane
The recent life sentences handed down to two convicted killers, Cedrick Khoza and Thabang Joseph Selepe, by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, were applauded by Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane.
Mtshweni-Tsipane said that the sentences bring hope that government’s crime-fighting measures are effective. She furthermore said that the prosecution of Khoza and Selepe is confirmation that the country’s justice system is intolerant to criminals whose violent behaviour poses a serious threat to the well-being of society, especially women and children.
Khoza, a police officer that was stationed at Masoyi police station in Hazyview, was handed 3 life sentences after he was found guilty of shooting and killing his wife and two of her siblings at kaMajika Trust in 2023, while Selepe received 2 life sentences for rape and the brutal murder of two women in Kwaggafontein between 2020 and 2022.
“ Khoza is a police officer and entrusted with the responsibility to protect society. Sadly, he betrayed the trust by turning against the very same people he is supposed to protect. This is inhumane. We applaud the police for arresting him and the NPA(National Prosecution Authority) for removing him away from the society,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.
Speaking on the sentence that was imposed on Selepe, Mtshweni-Tsipane said no one is sparred for committing crime.
“ We are at war against crime and Gender Based Violence and Femicide(GBVF). Selepe’s life sentences are an impetus for this war. We are satisfied that these sentences will send a stern warning to all that Mpumalanga has no place for GBVF and criminal behaviour,” said the Premier.
She conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and emphasised that although the life sentences will not restore the deceased back to life, however, she hopes that the punishment will bring closure to the families from the trauma.
