Four men jailed for life over 2019 Limpopo tavern murder of Matome Molema

Four men have been sentenced to life imprisonment after a patron was fatally shot at a tavern in Limpopo. The Polokwane High Court imposed the life terms on Monday, August 3, following the July 7, 2024, shooting that killed 50-year-old Matome Molema at a tavern in Mamaolo Village under the Lebowakgomo policing area.

Who was convicted and for what

The court sentenced Bongani Nkuna, 34; Bright Ncube, 23; Brian Ncube, 23; and Tumelo Maloma, 32. They were convicted of murder and other related offences arising from the tavern shooting, during which the men fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Jetta.

Firearms and other charges

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the accused were armed with two pistols, attacked and fatally shot the victim before escaping. The men were also charged with two counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, and contravening the Immigration Act in the case of twins Bright and Brian Ncube, who are Zimbabwean nationals.

Arrest and investigation

Ledwaba said an off-duty member attached to the Provincial Flying Squad, who lives near the crime scene, heard gunshots and immediately went to investigate.

“After receiving information about the shooting, the member booked himself on duty and pursued the suspects’ vehicle while simultaneously requesting backup.”

Another off-duty police officer joined the pursuit, which was supported by members of the Mookgophong Farm Watch. The coordinated effort led to the arrest of all four suspects and the recovery of two unlicensed firearms, Ledwaba said.

The investigations were transferred to the Provincial Investigation Unit and assigned to Warrant Officer Mokhepo Gafane. The investigating officer opposed the accused’s bail applications, and the matter was moved to the Polokwane High Court for trial.

Sentences imposed

The court handed down the following sentences: life imprisonment for murder; 15 years’ imprisonment for each count of possession of an unlicensed firearm; and three years’ imprisonment for possession of ammunition. Bright and Brian Ncube each received an additional two years’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act. The sentences will run concurrently, and all four accused were declared unfit to possess firearms, Ledwaba said.

The prosecution in the Polokwane High Court was led by Advocate Sehlako.

Official response

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentencing. In a statement he said:

“This sentence sends a strong message that criminals who use illegal firearms to terrorise and murder innocent people have no place in our society. I commend the swift actions of all the role players, as well as the outstanding investigation by the detectives.”