Mohapi murder trial: Pastor and cousin get life imprisonment

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Two of the three accused convicted of the brutal murder of Hlompho Mohapi (Koloi) in July 2018, were handed down life sentences by Honourable Judge Taswell Papier earlier this morning, Friday 19 November, in the George Circuit High Court.

The pastor, Melisizwe Monqo (33) and his cousin and co-accused, Phumlani Qhusheka, received life imprisonment, among other sentences, for the horrific murder that left the Thembalethu community and George at large in immense shock.

For the other 25 charges on which Monqo was found guilty including fraud, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempted murder, kidnapping, obstructing the ends of justice and housebreaking with intent to murder, he was sentenced to 252 years direct imprisonment.

All these sentences will be served concurrently with his sentence of life.
Monqo was described as the mastermind behind the offences.

Quesheka's additional 63-year prison sentence and his life sentence will also be served concurrently. He was essentially the hitman who commited the murder with Monqo.

Monqo's wife, Siphosihle Pamba was handed down 20 years direct imprisonment for her involvement in Mohapi's murder. She was also sentenced to 156 years on additional charges which will be served concurrently with her 20-year imprisonment. She will thus spend 20 years behind bars.

VIDEO: NPA SPOKESPERSON ON MOHAPI MURDER SENTENCING

During sentencing Papier said that Pamba showed remorse and admitted to her involvement that lead to Mohapi's death. He said that even though she was the victim of an abusive relationship and strongly influenced by her husband, she had ample opportunity to come clean. Instead she elected to aid and abet Monqo. She was however not physically involved in Mohapi's murder.

Mohapi was found with seven stab wounds to her chest and her throat was slit.
Her body was found by a passing fisherman next to the gravel road leading to Voëlklip on 5 July 2018. Her mother was attending a funeral in Lesotho at the time.

Fraudulent life and funeral policies to the value of R3-million were taken out on Mohapi's life shortly before she was murdered. The trio allegedly also attempted to kill three other women using a similar modus operandi in the Eastern Cape between 2017 and 2018.