Kuruman shooter sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for senseless killing

AN ACCUSED, Mogomotsi Jonathan, 40, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in the Kgalagadi Local Circuit Division of the High Court, sitting in Kathu, for the murder of Ohentse Grigory Dithage. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused was convicted for murder, assault, and multiple firearms-related offences.

He said the incident took place on October 15 20222 near Kuruman while the deceased and his friends were socialising at a residence in Batlharos village.

"The accused later arrived with a few companions and requested a lift from the deceased. After dropping them off, the deceased returned to the residence. A short while later, the accused returned and, without provocation or any altercation, fired shots at the deceased. He then threatened the owner of the house by pointing a firearm at her before shooting the deceased again and fleeing the scene. The deceased was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was gunshot wounds to the head and chest. The accused was subsequently arrested and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter." 

Senokoatsane said senior State Advocate Anel Stellenberg argued extensively in aggravation of sentence, emphasising the seriousness of the offences and the need for a sentence that reflects the gravity of the crime.

"The State submitted that the accused killed an unarmed acquaintance in a senseless and cold-blooded manner, demonstrated no remorse and posed a danger to society. The court was urged to send an unequivocal message that violent crime will not be tolerated, particularly in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district." 

He added that the accused changed legal representation several times during the trial that commenced in 2024. 

"In delivering the sentence, the court remarked that murder is a serious and prevalent offence in the Kuruman and Kathu areas. The presiding judge noted that the accused shot and killed an unarmed man who posed no threat and that the accused failed to demonstrate remorse, even at the sentencing stage." 

Senokoatsane said the accused was sentenced to 15 years for murder; ten years for assault by threat; 10 years for pointing a firearm, five years for the unlawful possession of a firearm and two years for the unlawful possession of ammunition.

"The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 42 years, with an effective sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment."

The NPA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime were held accountable and to working with law enforcement agencies to restore safety and public confidence.

"The sanctity of human life remains paramount, and the NPA will continue to vigorously prosecute violent crimes to ensure justice for victims and their families," Senokoatsane said.