The Free State High Court in Harrismith has handed down sentences of 31 years’ imprisonment to five individuals convicted of the brutal murder of Summerslie farm owner Mike Pattinson. The accused—Bokang Mothibedi (24), Jabulani Ngcongwane (26), Lephosa Motaung (26), Bheki Sihle-Maphalala (23), and Siyabonga Khumalo (20)—were found guilty of various charges, including housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and murder. Their crime involved robbing Pattinson’s home, kidnapping him, and eventually driving to QwaQwa, where they left his lifeless body tied to a bed in a mud house.
In delivering the judgment, Judge Joseph Mhlambi took into account several important factors, including the gravity of the crime, the public interest, and the social backgrounds of the accused. He noted the profound impact of Pattinson’s life and work on the community, particularly his efforts to finance the education of underprivileged children. The letters submitted by Pattinson’s family and his colleagues, including those from his son, daughter-in-law, and the Harrington Private School management, highlighted the significant role he played in supporting the local community, emphasizing the emotional weight of the loss.
Despite the young age of the accused, the judge decided that the severity of the crime warranted a harsh sentence. The defense had argued for a more lenient sentence, suggesting that the accused were first-time offenders and that their social circumstances should be considered. However, the court was unyielding, with Mhlambi stating that the crime was too serious and the manner of the victim’s murder too gruesome to justify a lighter sentence.
The defense lawyers filed for leave to appeal the ruling, questioning the evidence and arguing that the conviction was based largely on circumstantial evidence. They contended that the sentence was disproportionately harsh, particularly given the youth of the accused and the fact that they had already spent time in custody. However, Judge Mhlambi dismissed the application, ruling that the appeal had no reasonable prospect of success. The decision serves as a reminder of the court’s stance on the seriousness of violent crimes and its commitment to upholding justice, regardless of the age or background of the accused.
