Two accused sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for tavern murder

TWO men accused of the murder of a tavern patron who was stabbed with a broken brandy bottle and struck with stones were sentenced in the Mothibistad Regional Court to 20 years imprisonment. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused - Nonie Michael Brown, 38 and Boikanyo Bles, 35, were charged for committing the murder with common purpose, which exposed them to the possibility of life imprisonment.

He said the incident occurred on March 28 2013, in Eiffel Village when the accused had travelled from Kuruman.

"They spent the day drinking before going to an informal tavern to buy traditional beer. An argument broke out between them, the deceased Itumeleng Mabihi and the deceased’s friend, Thabiso, who were linked to previous disputes.

"During the altercation, Brown stabbed both the deceased and Thabiso with a broken brandy bottle. Thabiso managed to escape, but the deceased fell after being struck by Bles. The two then jointly assaulted him with fist-sized stones, repeatedly striking him as he lay defenceless on the ground. Despite pleas from bystanders and the tavern owner, the attack continued until the accused stopped on their own. Police were called to the scene, and both men were arrested and charged." 

Senokoatsane said following the conviction of the accused on December 9, state prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor, in aggravation of sentence, argued that the accused only ceased their attack once they believed the deceased was dead.

"They were consequently both sentenced to 20 years’ direct imprisonment. They were also declared unfit to possess firearms." 

He encouraged communities to act responsibly and safeguard their lives and those of others over the holiday period.

 "The unlawful taking of a life is a serious criminal offence. As the festive season approaches, the public is urged to respect the rule of law, resolve disputes peacefully, and avoid high-risk situations. The NPA reiterates its commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring accountability for acts that threaten the safety and dignity of communities,"  Senokoatsane said.