2nd Lismor convict gets 7 life sentences

By Libuseng Nyaka

BETHLEHEM – The second convicted murderer of six women and teenager has been sentenced to seven life sentences after the victims were brutally killed and raped while sleeping at Lismore farm in Ketsell.

Kamohelo Motankisi (35) will join his co-convict Lerato Selepe who was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2024. Judge Celest Reinders sentenced Motankisi in the Free State High Court sitting in Bethlehem on Thursday.

According to police spokesperson warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the pair were arrested in July 2022 after killing six women and a teenage boy.

The victims are Paulinah Mothoduwa Moloi (37), Nontwasefani Loti Smith (54), Nokufa Portia Mofokeng (31), Lerato Julie Moloi (34), Nomasonto Christinah Zulu (57), Nomasonto Maduna (44), and 18-year-old Rhudie Binta. Mophiring said some of the victims sustained multiple stab and gunshot wounds. Two women were sexually assaulted during the commission of the killings.

“The two placed their photos on social media in possession of a firearm stolen on the farm after the commission of the horrific crime. “They further went to another farm where they broke in and stole some items,” said Mophiring.

Lerato Selepe taller, and Kamohelo Motankisi sentenced to serve life imprisonment.

According to Mophiring, Motankisi faced seven counts of murder, 12 charges of housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery under aggravating circumstances, two sexual offenses, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and housebreaking with intent to steal and theft.In March, Motankisi’s co-accused Tseko Lerato Selepe was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the same court.

“On 24 October 2024, Judge Reinders, prosecutor Antonnette Ferreira and detective captain Alfons Kokonyana of the provincial murder and robbery, Phuthaditjhaba Unit successfully convicted Kamohelo Motankisi through the assistance of internal units such as Bethlehem crime intelligence and K9 Unit who cracked the case by effecting arrests of both accused on 15 July 2022,” said Mophiring.

Following his sentencing, Motankisi, took the stand and apologised to all members of the families he wronged, said Mophiring.

Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Baile Motswenyane thanked Kokonyana and the investigation teams whose “tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing justice to the victims and their families”.