Free State High Court Judge Pitso Molitsoane has described convicted murderer Ntsane Isaiah Togowe (45) going to the grave of slain tavern owner Alfred Lejone Helepi to ask for forgiveness as a hollow act.
This gesture was included in the testimony of the accused during pre-sentencing relating to the murder of the former Moroka Swallows FC player on 29 March 2016.
Togowe, also known as Smith, received life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. However, no order was made against him on possessing a firearm.
Helepi was fatally shot three times in the shower at his home in Phahameng, Bloemfontein.
“Even if one accepts he went to the grave of the deceased, it is clear that he still did not acknowledge his wrongdoing,” said Judge Molitsoane.
“His hollow apology does not assist him. It is difficult to understand how a person can claim genuine remorse and with the same breath deny any wrongdoing.”
The judge indicated that aggravating circumstances included Helepi being unarmed and not showing resistance when attacked.
“The deceased was shot in that state of nakedness,” said Judge Molitsoane.
Togowe’s sentencing followed conviction during a trial conducted from 19 to 21 April. He was identified as one of the robbers and the one in possession of a firearm when Helepi was shot. The first culprit, Andile Gxama, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment in June 2019.
After shooting Helepi, the accused and their accomplices took R40 000 cash, a gold wrist watch, a firearm and a bakkie – later found abandoned in Phelindaba, Bloemfontein.
The other three suspects linked to the murder are Lesotho nationals Alice Majake, Nthabiseng Lempe and Dira Moreenyane. They are still at large after they were released on bail in November 2016 with Gxama and Togowe.
Togowe was arrested in December 2021 in Lesotho, where he had been hiding, and repatriated, which culminated in his sentencing.
“The family is pleased with the maximum sentences. This brings closure to a long and painful chapter in our lives,” said Sello Helepi, family spokesperson.
“We witnessed the justice we sought for the death of Chencha served without fear or favour in our courts.
“The family wishes to thank the Hawks for the thorough work done under difficult circumstances. We thank the community of Phahameng and Bloemfontein for the support they continued to give to the family during this long wait.
“We also thank Expressand News24 for unrelentingly reporting as the watchdog to ensure justice is done.
“As the family we trust that the soul of our own will now rest in peace.”
The family is pleased with the maximum sentences – Sello Helepi
