Four Limpopo teens convicted of Thoriso Themane murder
Four minors have been convicted of murder for the 2019 attack against Thoriso Themane, while two others were found guilty of common assault.
Two adults, Chuene Maleka and Alfred Mothapo, were found guilty of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
In February 2019, chilling footage of Themane’s murder sent shockwaves across the country.
At the time, video footage emerged on social media showing a group dragging the 28-year-old through a street in Flora Park in Polokwane.
A second video surfaced showing one of the alleged assailants bragging that his police officer dad would keep him from facing any consequences.
A total of 11 suspects were arrested, including nine minors and two adults.
One of the suspects died the following year while others turned state witnesses, leaving 8 to face the music.
“The four young offenders were convicted of murder after the court was satisfied with the doctrine of common purpose.
“The other two young offenders in the beginning of the trial entered a guilty plea statement for assault common. In the statement, they submitted that they realised that they should leave the group because there’s no reason to assault the deceased. The court convicted them on assault common.
“The two adults Mothapo and Maleka were convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.”
The matter has been postponed to 24 February for a pre-sentencing hearing.
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