A deadly tavern altercation has led to the conviction and sentencing of 40-year-old Retshidisitswe Solomon Lebojoa, who will now serve 15 years in prison. The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg handed down multiple sentences after finding him guilty of the murder of Lehlogonolo Mothapi, following a confrontation outside a Rietvlei tavern in the east of Johannesburg on September 10, 2022.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that Lebojoa committed the crime while out on parole for a previous offence. The court imposed several sentences, including eight years for attempted murder, 15 years for murder, three years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to investigations led by Constable Livhu Maleba, the incident unfolded when Mothapi and his friends were at Nomsa’s Tavern in Rietvlei. A confrontation broke out outside the tavern, escalating into a physical altercation between the accused and the deceased. Despite efforts from Lebojoa’s associates to calm the situation, Mothapi and his friends eventually left the scene on foot. However, as they walked away, they were pursued by Lebojoa and a group of unknown individuals armed with firearms. Gunshots rang out, forcing the group to flee in different directions. Moments later, Mothapi’s friends found him lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries.
During the trial, Lebojoa pleaded not guilty, with his defence arguing that the murder was unplanned and happened in a matter of minutes, leaving no time for premeditation. However, Senior State Advocate Thami Mpekana emphasized that the crime occurred while the accused was on parole, stating that “had he been kept in custody, the crime would not have occurred.”
In delivering the verdict, the court acknowledged that the murder was not premeditated and that the firearm found in Lebojoa’s possession was not the one used to kill Mothapi. However, the court ruled that his actions contributed directly to the fatal outcome. Deviating from the prescribed minimum sentences, the judge took these factors into account while still imposing a firm penalty.
Mjonondwane reinforced the NPA’s stance on violent crime, stating that the sentence serves as a warning that such offenses will not be tolerated. She reiterated the NPA’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
