IN a landmark ruling against organised crime, the Free State High Court has delivered a devastating blow to the notorious “Born to Kill” (BTK) gang, sentencing its members to life behind bars and decades of imprisonment for their reign of terror in the province.
The 12 convicted gang members received staggering sentences ranging from 12 years to life imprisonment for a brutal spree of violence that plunged the Botshabelo community into fear.
Their heinous crimes included murder, attempted murder, housebreaking, robbery with aggravating circumstances, arson, malicious injury to property, and rape.
The convictions stem from a night of bloodshed on 16 November 2020, when the BTK gang launched a violent onslaught against their rivals, the Roma gang, in Botshabelo’s W-Section.
Armed with pangas, knives and stones, the gang members rampaged through the streets, looting homes, destroying property and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
One resident, Chrisjan Katlolo Matshiliso, tragically lost his life in the chaos.
The court has shown no mercy in sentencing the gang members:
- Peneas Tseuoa (21) – life imprisonment plus 81 years
- Karabo Godfrey Chimama Sepeane (22) – life imprisonment plus 51 years
- Tshokolo Shasha Mosooenyane (25) – life imprisonment plus 81 years
- Retshepile Tshepo Thole (23) – life imprisonment plus 33 years
- Bulelani Innocent Fana Dyantyi (24) – life imprisonment plus 91 years
- Teboho Richard Memane (22) – life imprisonment plus 66 years
- Patrick Xingane Loki Matsemela (21) – 12 years direct imprisonment
- Siyabonga Bennet Masango (22) – 20 years direct imprisonment
- Mpho Joseph Success Makhele (25) – 21 years direct imprisonment
- Tlotlisang Joseph Maquba (22) – 22 years direct imprisonment
- Lenka Patrick Lele Thejane (35) – 22 years direct imprisonment
- Goodwill Zwane Mokwena (28)20 years direct imprisonment
During the trial, senior state advocate Jacques Harrington made it clear that gang violence has no place in South Africa, demanding that the court send an unmistakable message.
And that it did.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hailed the prosecution team for its relentless pursuit of justice, securing convictions that bring closure to the victims and hope to the community.
“The NPA remains committed to apprehending, prosecuting, and securing maximum sentences for those who perpetrate such heinous crimes,” NPA Free State regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said.
reaffirmed their dedication to eradicating gang violence.
“We will not rest until these criminal enterprises are dismantled. The people of Botshabelo, and all South Africans, deserve to live without fear,” he said. – Staff Reporter