By Teboho Moloi
BLOEMFONTEIN – After one year and eight months trial for murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition behind bars, Molantoa Abel Letseka (33) from Qwa Qwa was handed a sentence by the Bloemfontein high court on Thursday 18 September.
This follows Letseka finally pleading guilty on Wednesday 17 September for the charges he was facing. His arrest follows a shooting tavern incident at Phuthaditjhaba around 01:50, when he unexpectedly drew an unlicensed firearm and began shooting randomly at patrons without uttering a word.
The incident left Nthati Thekiso (26) dead on the scene, Teboho Mahlaba (54) with gunshot wound to his left foot and Mamotjhana Sebobane (23), sustaining gun wounds in her right thigh.
During the trial the court heard how he fled the scene and later on the day arrested by police after his vehicle was spotted driven recklessly.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said police search resulted in discovery of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was sentenced to an effective 22-year imprisonment sentence for murder, 15 years each for two counts of attempted murder, 15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and four years for possession of ammunition.
The court ordered that Counts 1, 2, 4, and 5 run concurrently with Count 3, resulting in an effective 22-year imprisonment.
The case was meticulously investigated by Detective Sergeant Thulani Mkhwanazi of Phuthaditjhaba detectives and prosecuted by state prosecutor Advocate P. Mabale.
