THOHOYANDOU - The Thohoyandou High Court recently sentenced six murderers to double life imprisonment for murder, rape and robbery.

Thomas Nematswerani, Cedric Mpande, Matodzi Terrence Matamela, Richard Marubini Mphaphuli, Solomon Matumba and Solomon Bontsi Netshithuthuni appeared in the Thohoyandou High Court, facing 14 counts ranging from murder, rape, possession of unlicensed firearms and robbery committed in different places in the Vhembe District as from 2001.

The court heard how accused No 1, Thomas Nematswerani, and his friends broke into the Mountain View Hotel, where they stole money and killed Mrs Maria Matibe, before disappearing to the nearby bush. The six, led by Nematswerani, proceeded to Mashamba Village, where they shot and killed a businessman Mr Daniel Mashamba and raped the women who were there, before disappearing with money.

For each murder, Nematswerani was sentenced to life imprisonment.

On top of double life imprisonment, the courts also sentenced him to 60 years for robbery at Grey-Cliffs Farm, Riverplaats Village, and Tshikumbu Village. Nematswerani, as a ringleader, also received 10 years imprisonment for raping a woman at Mashamba village. He was also sentenced to seven years imprisonment for contravening the Arms and Ammunition Act 75 of 1969 (illegal possession of firearm) at Palm Motors.

Nematswerani asked Judge George Hetisani not to send him to Matatshe or Sinthumule-Kutama Maximum Prison, because there are many people who have been arrested and sentenced because of him. He said they would kill him as revenge. Judge Hetisani said the court does not have the power to order, but is requesting the Department of Correctional Services not to detain Nematswerani with any of his co-accused at the same prison.

Accused No 2, Cedric Mpande was sentenced to 15 years for a robbery committed at Riverplaats Village. His vehicles, a Toyota and a Mazda, were forfeited to the state.

Accused No 3, Terrence Matamela, was sentenced to double life imprisonment for cold-bloodedly killing Maria Matibe and Mr Daniel Mashamba. Matamela was also sentenced to 60 years for robberies committed at Grey-Cliffs Farm, Riverplaats village, and Tshikumbu. The court also sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment for raping a woman at Mashamba on the same day that he killed Mr Mashamba.

Accused No 5, Richard Marubini Mphaphuli, also received a double life sentence for killing Maria Matibe and Daniel Mashamba. Judge George Hetisani also sentenced him to 60 years imprisonment for robberies at Grey Cliffs Farm, and at Tshikumbu Village.

Accused No 6, Solomon Matumba, received life imprisonment for killing Mr Daniel Mashamba. He was also sentenced to 50 years imprisonment for robberies at Thononda Village and Tshikumbu village. He will serve another seven years imprisonment for the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Accused No 7, Enos Bontsi Netshithuthuni, was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Mr Daniel Mashamba and 30 years for robberies at Tshikumbu.

When sentencing them, Judge Hetisani said people are sick and tired of rapes, murder and robbery, so the six deserve to remain behind bars for the rest of their lives.