RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - The Bafokeng Regional Court has sentenced three men to direct imprisonment for their roles in the murder of Jeremiah Sello Hamel (45) and the attempted murder of Koketso Thakadu and Neo Liteli (both 19).
The accused, Rapula Solomon Ramadikela (34), Kefiloe Victor Tsoloane (36), and Dumisane Matejwana Ndaba (22), received sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. The convictions stem from an incident on 16 February 2023 in Freedom Park, Rustenburg.
Evidence presented in court revealed that Hamel was driving a Ford Ranger with two passengers whilst a separate altercation unfolded near a local tavern. During the altercation, Koketso Thakadu, one of the victims, became agitated upon seeing his girlfriend speaking with a Quantum taxi driver outside the tavern. Acting out of jealousy and anger, Thakadu threw liquor bottles at the taxi, damaging its windows.
The taxi driver, Solomon Ramadikela, later gathered his co-accused, Tsoloane and Ndaba, and conspired to retaliate against the individuals in the Ford Ranger.
At approximately 03:00, the accused tracked down the Ford Ranger and boxed it in with two Quantum taxis. Ramadikela approached the driver’s side, while Tsoloane targeted the passenger’s side. Hamel was consequently shot and died at the scene. The two passengers, Thakadu and Liteli, managed to escape while being fired upon.
Following police investigations and informant leads, all three accused were arrested and proceeded to plead not guilty to all charges. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict them.
During sentencing, State Prosecutor Sangweni Zimema urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, emphasising the alarming increase in murder cases. Magistrate Segakweng Moeng concurred, ruling that two of the accused acted in common purpose. The court imposed the following sentences: Solomon Ramadikela and Kefiloe Victor Tsoloane were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for attempted murder (sentences to run concurrently). Dumisane Matejwana Ndaba: 10 years’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act. The court further ordered his deportation to Lesotho upon completion of his sentence.
Welcoming the sentences, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecution teams for their dedication. “We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law,” said Dr Makhari.
