A street vendor was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for killing another street vendor by the Moretele Magistrates Court in the North West. Isaac Makita (23) stabbed 19-year-old Thato Simango after the two had an argument over money.

VENDORS SELLING FOOD

The incident took place on 30 January 2021 at Suurman, outside Moretele, where the two were street vendors selling food. NPA Regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame said that Makita killed his associate by stabbing him. "Evidence presented in court revealed that an argument ensued between the two over money and the accused took out a knife and stabbed Simango. He was declared dead on the scene and the matter was reported to the police who arrested Makita the next day. The court denied him bail and he also pleaded guilty to the offence," he said.

MINIMUM SENTENCE

Mamothame further said that state prosecutor Patricia Matlala urged the court not to deviate from imposing a minimum sentence as courts are overburdened with cases of this nature. Magistrate Gilbert Sono agreed with the state and imposed 25 years of direct imprisonment. "He remarked on the responsibility the courts have in protecting members of society against such violent acts, which often lead to loss of life," he said.