Johannesburg – Twenty-eight-year-old Simon Mahuse and 29-year-old Frans Ntshumayelo have both been found guilty of the murder of Koketso Mojatau, an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor in the City of Ekurhuleni.
The high court in Johannesburg on Monday found Mahuse and Ntshumayelo guilty of two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The pair were found guilty of the murders of EFF Councillor Mojatau and Siboniso Sokhele in April 2023.
They were also convicted for a series of violent crimes that were committed between January and April 2023.
The evidence presented in court showed that the accused targeted unsuspecting victims, using firearms to rob and murder them.
The court heard how the accused accosted their victims at gunpoint, stealing their vehicles, cellphones and other personal belongings.
In one instance, one complainant fought back, firing several shots at the accused, but was tragically shot and robbed of her firearm.
The police recovered the stolen vehicles, firearms, and other personal items belonging to Mojatau and arrested the accused after a shootout on 23 April 2023.
The accused pleaded not guilty, however, Senior State Prosecutor Matthews Rampyapedi presented overwhelming evidence that proved their guilt beyond any reasonable doubt.
He further submitted that all the crimes were committed at night and none of the complainants or witnesses were able to identify the assailants.
The state relied on fingerprint evidence, items found in the car, timelines in between the events, and the modus operandi.
The court denounced the accused’s modus operandi, highlighting the brutality and premeditation of their crimes and their total disregard of the privacy and lives of innocent citizens.
The National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the accused were arrested after members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) received a tip-off from members of the community.
The tip-off led the EMPD to an address in Phumula.
“Upon arrival at the address, the police received further information about members of the family who were on a robbing spree and certain suspicious items were found at the house,” said Mjonondwane.
“The police called for backup in anticipation of the group coming back.
“Later in the evening four suspects approached the house and were confronted by the police and a shootout ensued.
“One suspect managed to flee, and one was fatally wounded.”
The two remaining suspects – Mahuse and Ntshumayelo – were apprehended.
Mahuse and Ntshumayelo will be Sentenced on 25 September 2024.
