Gang killers get 26 years each
Staff Writer / Thurs, 08 October 2026
Gang members accused of killing a 20-year-old man after allegedly accusing him of associating with a rival gang have been sentenced to 26 years behind bars each.
The dou including Letebele Motaung (32) and Thapelo Solomon Molefe (36) were convicted of murdering Gift Kolobi in Kanana near Orkney, outside Klerksdorp in Matlosana City in North West, in December 2014.
AdvertisementYour business hereAdvertise with News JunctionPolice spokesperson Kelebogile Morake said Kolobi was stabbed at a tavern on Thursday night, 4 December 2014, allegedly by members of the Crazy Dogs gang.
“Police received a complaint that a man had been stabbed by suspected gang members at a tavern in Kanana,” Morake said.
She said police arrived at the scene and were informed that Kolobi had been taken to a nearby clinic, where he was declared dead.
“Initial investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly been confronted by gang members who accused him of associating with a rival gang and removing a gang-related tattoo,” she said.
Morake said Kolobi was then allegedly attacked and stabbed by several suspects.
Three suspects were initially arrested by Kanana Crime Prevention members. A knife believed to have been used in the attack was recovered, while a bloodstained T-shirt allegedly linked to the murder was also seized.
However, the case was later withdrawn.
The case was reopened after the establishment of the Provincial Anti-Gang Investigation Unit in 2021.
Morake said the docket was handed to Warrant Officer BE Matlhoko, whose further investigations led to arrest warrants being issued.
Motaung was arrested on 11 September 2023, while Molefe was arrested eight days later in Kanana.
Their bail applications were opposed by the State and the matter was transferred to the Klerksdorp Regional Court for trial.
Both men pleaded not guilty but were eventually found guilty of murder.
On Thursday, 8 October 2026, the court sentenced both men to 26 years in prison.
They were also declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act.
North West police commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams welcomed the sentences.
“The lengthy sentences demonstrate that gang-related violence will not be tolerated,” Adams said.
“I commend the investigators and prosecution for their perseverance in securing justice for the victim and his family.”
Morake said the case was prosecuted by Mrs Nkefi Molamu before Magistrate Mrs Mamana.
News Junction
