GEORGE NEWS - A man who admitted to killing two men in Borcherds in July 2024 has been sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment, to be served concurrently.

Tsepho Ditaba (29) pleaded guilty to both counts of murder - of Reginald Stalmeester (32) and Marcelino Januarie (20), who were shot within minutes of each other at their respective homes in Spandiel Street on 13 July 2024.

Magistrate Mashau Ramalebana imposed the sentences in the George Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 15 October, after hearing evidence in aggravation of sentence from investigating officer Warrant Officer Lee-Anne Geldenhuys of the Conville Police.

During her testimony, Geldenhuys described the murders as premeditated and linked the violence to suspected gang rivalry in Borcherds.

According to her evidence, Ditaba is a member of the 27s prison numbers gang. She also referred to a Facebook post published before the murders in which threats were made against the victims.

Stalmeester was shot outside his home, while Januarie was shot as he was hiding under a bed in a small bungalow. Geldenhuys testified that Januarie’s 15-year-old daughter witnessed the shooting.

She told the court that neither man had deserved to die in such a manner.

Two other accused, Edwin Jacobs (40) and Shaun Claassen (40), pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, and their case will be heard separately on a later date.

Defence raises victims’ alleged gang involvement

During cross-examination, Ditaba’s attorney, Alrique Campher, argued that the murders should not be viewed in isolation.

He suggested that the victims had themselves been involved in gang-related and unlawful activities and referred to allegations that they had stolen from Ditaba’s mother, who has since died.

Campher asked the court to consider Ditaba’s personal circumstances and the events preceding the murders.

Geldenhuys said she could not confirm the allegations about the victims’ gang involvement, which had not been recorded in the affidavits before her. She maintained that regardless of their backgrounds, the victims did not deserve to be killed.

Murder weapon still missing

The firearm used in the shootings has never been recovered.

Geldenhuys told the court that police had been unable to establish its origin, and they believe it could still be circulating.

She also highlighted the broader challenges of policing gang violence in the Conville precinct, where 21 murders were reported between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

According to Geldenhuys, gang-related disputes are not always reported to the police. Residents fear for their children’s safety and the possibility of young people becoming involved in gangs.

She said the continuing violence placed considerable pressure on police officers working in the area.

Following the sentencing, Colonel Anton Stander of the Conville Police commended Geldenhuys for her investigation and evidence in aggravation of sentence.

“Thank you for your hard work and commitment to this case,” he said, praising her performance as a witness.

The prosecution was led by Samantha Hendricks.

Ditaba is die dag ná die voorval in hegtenis geneem, terwyl Jacobs en Claassen later deur die polisie aangekeer is.

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