Two men have been sentenced to direct imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court for a murder and robbery that took place in Kanana, North West, in 2021.
The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, 22 November 2021, when three unknown male suspects entered a nearby supermarket, pointed firearms at people, and shot and killed a 34-year-old female victim. The suspects then fled with items from the supermarket and the victim’s handbag. The victim was transported to Klerksdorp Hospital, where she was declared deceased upon arrival. Police opened a case docket for murder and robbery.
The case was handed to the Provincial Anti-Gang Investigation Unit. Following extensive investigations, the unit identified the suspects as hired Basotho assassins. On Friday, 27 January 2023, an operation involving the Provincial Anti-Gang Investigation Unit and the Flying Squad led to the arrest of two male suspects.
At the time of their arrest, the suspects were found in possession of four shotguns, one revolver, two explosive tubes, one detonator, 105 rounds of R5 rifle ammunition, 29 rounds of revolver ammunition, and 20 rounds of AK-47 rifle ammunition.
On Monday, 30 March 2026, the Klerksdorp Regional Court sentenced the two male suspects, aged 34 and 35.
Bokang Samson Sakhele (35) was sentenced to:
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Count 1: Life imprisonment for murder
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Count 2: 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery
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Count 3: 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of explosives
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Count 4: 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of firearms
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Count 5: Seven years’ imprisonment for possession of ammunition
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Count 6: Two years’ imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act
Taeta John Ramaema (34) was sentenced to:
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Count 3: 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of explosives
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Count 4: 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of firearms
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Count 5: Seven years’ imprisonment for possession of ammunition
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Count 6: Two years’ imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act
Both suspects were declared unfit to possess firearms. Sakhele’s sentences will run concurrently with Count 1, while Ramaema’s sentences will run concurrently with Count 3.