STELLALANDER-TAUNG: Retshepoane Gladwin Kepi (22), from Manokwane village, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for the murder of his 68-year-old paternal uncle, Marongoa Victor Kepi.
Kepi was convicted of one count of murder following the brutal killing that took place at the deceased’s home in Maphoitsile village on 28 January 2024. According to the details presented in court, Kepi, along with two friends, visited his uncle’s house under the pretext that the deceased had agreed to lend him a car.
Upon arriving at the home, one of the friends stayed outside, while Kepi and the other friend entered the house. Inside, they found the deceased in the bedroom, with his son sitting in the lounge. Kepi confronted his uncle, demanding the car keys. When the deceased refused, a violent scuffle ensued, during which Kepi pulled out an okapi knife and stabbed his uncle four times in front of his friend and the deceased’s son.
The court heard details of the vicious attack, which underscored the vulnerability of the elderly victim. After the stabbing, Kepi fled the scene, leaving his uncle’s lifeless body behind. The friend and the deceased’s son ran to seek help, and a case of murder was opened. Kepi was arrested on 9 February 2024 and has remained in custody since. During the trial, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, his friends testified as state witnesses, explaining that they had believed his claim that the deceased had agreed to lend him the car. State Prosecutor Rebaona Makgopa called for a harsh sentence, stressing the vulnerability of the elderly victim and the severity of the crime. She pointed out the accused’s lack of remorse for his actions.
The court found no compelling circumstances to reduce the sentence and sentenced Kepi to life imprisonment. Magistrate Bhuti Zulu delivered the sentence, reinforcing the gravity of the crime. Dr. Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the work of the investigative and prosecutorial teams, stating, “This sentence sends a strong message that justice will prevail, and those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law.”
