Three life sentences for Burgersfort triple murderer

The Limpopo High Court sentenced Immanuel Charles Maboko (35) to three life sentences for three counts of murder on November 1.

Maboko, of Alverton in Burgersfort, was also sentenced to 15 years in prison for aggravated robbery and a further three years for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Living conditions will not operate simultaneously; However, penalties will be imposed for robbery and firearm possession. Despite pleading not guilty and choosing to represent himself, Maboko chose to remain silent throughout the trial.

The State presented compelling evidence detailing how he entered a BMW dealership in Polokwane, Nirvana, on April 11, 2022, under the pretext of purchasing a car.

During an argument with a dealer, Maboko fatally shot educator Muofhe Luvhimbi, 56, of Tshikuwi Village in Vhembe District, who brought his BMW X6M for service. Maboko escaped in Luvhimbi’s vehicle but was later captured near the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Two firearms were seized from the vehicle,” said National Prosecuting Authority Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.

Further evidence linked Maboko to two other murders. On April 1, 2022, Lucas shot Malatji to death outside his home in Burgersfort’s Mabocha Village. He was also implicated in the death of Prof Mohamed Saber Tayob, who was shot while jogging on Munnik Street in Sterkpark, Polokwane, on March 13, 2022.

In a bid to aggravate the sentence, deputy director of public prosecutions, Adv Lethabo Mashiane, made victim impact statements highlighting the emotional and financial devastation experienced by the families of the deceased.

They expressed lasting trauma and fear and talked about how these senseless murders left them both heartbroken and financially strapped, as the victims were the primary breadwinners.

In sentencing, Acting Judge AJ Monene touched on the wider social impact of these murders and noted the lack of remorse from the defendant, who was said to have smiled throughout the hearing.

ALSO READ: Man arrested for murder and theft

Monene argued that removing Maboko from society would contribute to public safety and concluded that there was no justification for deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Director of public prosecutions Adv Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence. “The justice delivered provides solace to grieving families and demonstrates our commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

He also praised investigating officer Sergeant Florence Tlhatlha of the Limpopo Provincial Organized Crime Unit for her diligent work in this case.