Justice for murdered farmer’s family

Polokwane – Two of the four criminals who physically assaulted 57-year-old Hendrick Peterson on Sumadi Farm in 2017 before stealing his white Isuzu, two rifles, and other valuables, have been sentenced to a lengthy jail term by the Limpopo High Court sitting in Polokwane. 

During the attack, Peterson was left severely injured after being assaulted with various objects. The farmer was certified dead upon arrival at the local hospital. 

On Monday 12 October, Phuti Molangoane was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and fifteen years each for housebreaking with the intent to commit robbery and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He was further sentenced to five years imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Both sentences will run concurrently.

Thapelo Motsamai, who was also convicted, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit robbery as well as robbery with aggravating circumstances. The two sentences will also run concurrently. 

Following the death of Peterson, police immediately launched a manhunt which resulted in the arrest of four suspects a few months later. 

“The fifth suspect, Phillip Modime remained on the run. During subsequent court appearances, the four accused were all granted bail. The fourth accused, who drove the stolen Izuzu, later turned into a state witness,” police spokesperson brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said. “One of the arrested suspects, Justice Rasodi, failed to appear in court after he was released on bail.  He then committed a house robbery in Seshego and a series of other crimes while on bail. He was finally cornered in Modimolle when he was found in the company of Modime.”

A shootout ensued between the police and the suspects. Modime was fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire while Rasodi was arrested. 
Rasodi will now face a series of charges ranging from murder, possession of suspected motor vehicle theft, house robbery, theft, and burglary when he appears before the court.