6 March 2019
Government notes and welcomes the sentences handed over to the two men convicted of killing Coligny teenager Matlhomola Moshoeu.
The North West High Court sentenced Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte to an effective 18 and 23 years respectively for killing Moshoeu whom they accused of stealing sunflower seeds worth R80 from a farm.
Government thanks the police for the swift arrest of the two suspects when the case was reported and the prosecutors for a demonstration of the good work the criminal justice system is doing to support the efforts in rooting out criminality in our communities.
Throughout the trial, there were tensions in the small North West town and government hopes the finality of this matter will bring about peace and harmony in the town. South Africans should not allow actions like that of the two men to divide our country and communities.
Government calls on all parties to work together to foster reconciliation in Coligny and to mend all the divisions that have been caused by this incident. The task of building a safe and prosperous South Africa requires a social pact amongst all South Africans. Working together with government, communities should act against perpetrators of violence and ensure that justice through official platforms continue to prevail.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System