VILJOENSKROON. Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a 66-year-old farmer at his home near Viljoenskroon in the Free State, after a comprehensive investigation that saw them tracked down through stolen bank card transactions.
William Sejane (57), also known as Maidudu, and Lucky Motaung (54), also known as Sebothe, were each handed life sentences for murder and seven years for house robbery in the Kroonstad Regional Court on Friday, 3 October, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The horrific crime took place on the night of 3 to 4 October 2020, when the late Dave Wessels was attacked at his farmhouse. The perpetrators gained entry through a back window and overpowered the elderly farmer before tying his hands and legs and wrapping his head in plastic, which caused his death. The attackers fled with his white Toyota bakkie and various household items.
The case was immediately prioritised under the South African Police Service’s 24-Hour Activation Plan and assigned to Sergeant Morena Machalotsa from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. Through intensive investigations, police managed to recover the stolen vehicle at a workshop in Orkney, whilst the victim’s bank card was traced to transactions in Orkney, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom.
Surveillance footage ultimately linked Motaung to the purchases using the stolen card, leading to his arrest. His co-accused, Sejane, was subsequently arrested, with investigations revealing he had been out on parole for merely sixteen months, having previously served a life sentence for a similar crime.
Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, commended the investigating officer and all involved role players for their dedication to the case.
These sentences send a clear message that those who commit violent crimes will face the full might of the law
The South African Police Service in the Free State has welcomed the conviction and sentencing, marking another successful prosecution in their ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in rural areas.
