Mohapi can finally rest in peace

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Three years, four months and 14 days after she was brutally murdered, the 25-year-old Hlompho Mohapi (Koloi) can at last rest in peace.

The horrific murder on the unsuspecting young woman in 2018 had left the Thembalethu community and George at large in immense shock.

"It feels like the world has been lifted off my shoulders. I don't have the right words to say, but I feel relieved," said Mohapi's mother, Patricia Koloi, shortly after hefty sentences were handed down to the three accused of Mohapi's murder.

"I'm happy. For the first time since Hlompho died I can live again. I feel lighter and somewhat at peace. No one understands the pain of a mother who has lost a child. It has been hard for our family and her two little girls are suffering the most. They still can't understand why their mother is no more."

Mohapi's brother, William Koloi, said he is satisfied with the sentence, although nothing can bring back his sister. "I'm glad that justice has been served. Once again I want to thank all media, especially George Herald, for helping to get Hlompho's voice heard," he said.

Sentences

In addition to lesser sentences, the pastor, Melisizwe Monqo (33), and his cousin and co-accused, Phumlani Quesheka (31), received life imprisonment in the Circuit High Court in George on Friday 19 November.

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 a total of 252 years direct imprisonment. All these sentences will be served concurrently with his life sentence.

During sentencing 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 committed the murder with Monqo.

Neither Monqo nor Quesheka showed any remorse during the trial and both continued to protest their innocence to the end.

Monqo's wife and mother of his four-year-old daughter, Siphosihle Pamba (26), 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.

Handing down judgement, Judge Taswell Papier said that even though Pamba was a 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.

Papier however deviated from the prescribed minimum sentences for Pamba as, besides being under her abusive husband's control, she showed remorse, apologised to God, to Mohapi's family and society. She asked for forgiveness from the deceased's family and told the court that she deserved to die for the crimes she committed. She was also not physically involved in the gruesome murder.

Siphosihle Pamba

The murder

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

Fraudulent life and funeral policies to the value of R3-million had been 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. A total of R26,9-million worth of life insurance and funeral policies had been taken out from various companies on the lives of the four intended victims without their knowledge.

None of the policies ever paid out. All three accused were arrested by the investigating officer, Sgt Thembekile Matwa, shortly after the murder was committed and have been in custody since.

Phumlani Quesheka

Sterling job

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, commended state advocate Evadne Kortje and Sgt Matwa for the sterling work they have done over the course of more than three years.

"Sergeant Matwa criss-crossed two provinces collecting evidence, consulting witnesses and victims and brought all that evidence to Advocate Kortje. She managed to put together a complicated case, worked with emotional witnesses and successfully proved her case beyond reasonable doubt. This is an exhibition that our coordinated approach to dealing with crimes is paying off and resulting in long sentences," Bell said.

Patricia Koloi (left), her youngest son, Realeboha, with family friend, Kenenuwe Motaung, visiting Mohapi's grave last Sunday 21 November.

Patricia Koloi (middle in blue) with supporters from church and some of Mohapi's friends after sentencing last Friday. From left are; Mamu Mnikelo, Sonia Sejake, Sonia Matshini, Olivia Madikgang Appie and Kenenuwe Motaung. Photo: Kristy Kolberg