By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Three members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court for the brutal murder of Thabo Moses Mopeli (36), who died in police custody on 21 May 2021. The verdict and sentencing were handed down on Friday, 4 April 2025.
Sergeant Mbekeni Dladla (46), Constable Bongani Zondo (36), and Constable Mohau Balene (41) were found guilty on Thursday of murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The court found that Mopeli succumbed to severe injuries inflicted during a violent beating by the accused officers while in their custody after being arrested in connection with a business robbery.
The incident, which occurred five years ago, shocked the local community and raised urgent questions about police brutality and abuse of power. Despite Mopeli being a suspect, the court emphasized that no resistance to arrest was proven and that he pleaded for mercy while being beaten by officers who were supposed to uphold the law.
During the trial, it was also revealed that Mopeli’s co-accused, Tshebeletso Mofokeng, was later sentenced to 12 years in prison for the robbery. However, this did not lessen the gravity of the murder committed by the officers.
Murdered Thabo Mopeli ‘s uncle Malefetsane Mopeli outside court.
Advocate Franse Dlamini, representing the accused, made a passionate plea for leniency during sentencing.
“Your Worship, the accused before this court deserve a second chance. We respectfully plead for a sentence that reflects mercy and ask the court to exercise leniency in its decision.
We further request that the personal circumstances of each accused be taken into consideration,” Dlamini submitted.
He further argued that the officers were attempting to serve justice by apprehending suspects and that their actions indirectly contributed to the successful conviction of a co-accused.
However, state prosecutor Keiso Lebalo dismissed this defence, stating that the actions of the police officers were unjustified and inexcusable.
“There is no evidence that the deceased resisted arrest. Instead, he begged for mercy. These trained and experienced officers used excessive and unlawful force, knowing full well the consequences. The fact that they were in full uniform at the time makes the offence even more serious,” Lebalo argued.
In delivering her judgment, Magistrate O. Majozi highlighted the brutality and cruelty of the accused’s actions.
“There are no compelling or substantial circumstances presented that could justify deviating from the prescribed sentence. The evidence showed that the deceased was beaten to death by those who were meant to protect him,” Majozi’s said.
She stressed that the purpose of sentencing should be both rehabilitative and a deterrent to others.
“While no sentence can bring back the life of Thabo Mopeli, this ruling must serve as a warning, especially in Phuthaditjhaba, where violent crime is on the rise, that such actions will not be tolerated,” she added.
The court sentenced Sergeant Dladla to life imprisonment for murder and an additional 12 months for GBH. Constables Zondo and Balene each received life terms and 12 months for two counts of GBH. All sentences will run concurrently.
Speaking outside the court, the deceased’s uncle, Malefetsane Mopeli, expressed relief.
“We’re satisfied that justice has finally been served. It doesn’t bring our son back, but it brings us peace knowing that those responsible will be held accountable. If we can’t trust the police to protect us, who can we trust?” he said.
