The EFF in Gauteng said they were not satisfied with the 24-year jail term handed to the killers of their late councillor, Koketso Mojatau.

Mojatau and a friend, Siboniso Sokhele, were killed during a car hijacking last year April. The killers were sentenced to a total of 73 years behind bars on multiple charges, but since the sentences will run concurrently, they will only serve 24 years. Simon Mahuse (28) and his co-accused Frans Ntshumayelo (30) were sentenced by the Johannesburg High Court yesterday for the murder of the EFF councillor who was shot and killed in April last year. 

NOT HAPPY WITH THE SENTENCE

The Economic Freedom Fighters Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said while the EFF accepts the court's sentencing, they are not entirely satisfied. "In our opinion, the defendants did not present any mitigating circumstances that would warrant a deviation from the life imprisonment sentence that their crimes deserve. Furthermore, it is concerning that these individuals have the resources to hire private legal representation, which has indicated intentions to appeal the sentence. This confirms our long-held view that they are not just first-time offenders but rather hardened criminals who fully understood the gravity of their actions and were prepared for any consequences," he said. Dunga added that the EFF in Gauteng will continue to monitor the situation regarding the case. "We appreciate all fighters who have closely followed the developments and supported the Mojatau family in their quest for justice for Koketso's murder," he said.

HEFTY SENTENCE

This follows the guilty verdict in July, where they were found guilty of two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. NPA spokespersons Phindi Mjonondwane said Mahuse and Ntshumayelo were convicted of a series of violent crimes that were committed between January and April 2023. Evidence in court showed that the accused targeted unsuspecting victims, using firearms to rob and murder them. "The court was presented with disturbing details of a string of armed robberies, where the accused targeted victims at gunpoint, stealing vehicles, cellphones and other personal belongings. In one harrowing incident, a complainant bravely fought back, firing shots at the accused but tragically fell victim to gunfire and was robbed of their firearm," she added. The police recovered the stolen vehicles, firearms and other personal items belonging to Mojatau and arrested the duo.