Free State mass murderer gets 7 life sentences! In a case that shocked South Africa, the Free State High Court has sentenced Kamohelo Motankisi, 35, to seven life terms plus an additional 35 years in prison.
Motankisi was found guilty of a horrific mass shooting and sexual assaults that took place at Lismore Farm in the Kestell district in July 2022.
The convicted murderer was involved in the brutal killing of seven people, including six women and one male, during a night of violence that left the local community reeling.
Crimes Committed at Lismore Farm
Motankisi, from Tlholong near Kestell, was convicted on 12 counts, including seven counts of murder, housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery under aggravating circumstances, two counts of s.e.xual offences, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and housebreaking with intent to steal and theft.
The violent rampage resulted in the deaths of Paulinah Mothoduwa Moloi (37), Nontwasefani Loti Smith (54), Nokufa Portia Mofokeng (31), Lerato Julie Moloi (34), Nomasonto Christinah Zulu (57), Nomasonto Maduna (44), and Rhudie Binta (18). The victims suffered multiple stab and gunshot wounds during the attack, and two women were also s.e.xually assaulted.
The brutal nature of the crimes shocked the local community, as many of the victims were well-known members of the area. The senseless killings left families devastated and called attention to the ongoing issue of violent crime in rural South Africa.
Arrest and Investigation
The investigation into the mass shooting quickly gained momentum, leading to the arrest of Motankisi and his co-accused, Tseko Lerato Selepe, on July 15, 2022.
According to provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the suspects were apprehended after they posted incriminating photos on social media, where they were seen in possession of a firearm stolen from the Lismore Farm crime scene. The pair later broke into another farm, stealing more items, which further implicated them in the crimes.
The arrests were the result of coordinated police work and digital evidence gathering. Social media posts played a crucial role in tracking the suspects, highlighting how technology is increasingly becoming an important tool for law enforcement.
The Sentencing of Kamohelo Motankisi
On October 24, 2024, Judge Celeste Reinders handed down the heavy sentence to Motankisi, which includes seven life sentences for the murders and an additional 35 years for the other crimes.
The judge expressed her gratitude to the many individuals who contributed to the case, including police ballistics experts and the 19 witnesses who provided key testimony, both directly and indirectly. Their efforts were essential in securing a conviction and bringing justice to the victims’ families.
Motankisi, who took the stand after his sentencing, offered an apology to the families of the victims. However, his apology did little to undo the grief and trauma caused by his violent actions. His co-accused, Tseko Lerato Selepe, had already been sentenced in March 2024 to 30 years of direct imprisonment for his role in the crimes.
Reactions from Law Enforcement
Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the case and the successful sentencing of Motankisi.
She extended her appreciation to the entire investigative team, specifically commending Detective Captain Alfons Kokonyana for his dedication and hard work in the case. Kokonyana’s tireless efforts were instrumental in piecing together the evidence that led to the conviction.
“I would like to thank the entire investigation team, especially Detective Captain Alfons Kokonyana, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing justice to the victims and their families,” Motswenyane said in a statement. Her comments reflect the sense of relief that the investigation has concluded with justice being served for the seven innocent victims.
A Conclusion to a Horrific Case
The sentencing of Kamohelo Motankisi brings closure to one of the most brutal mass murders in recent Free State history. The judge’s decision to impose seven life terms underscores the severity of the crimes, ensuring that Motankisi will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The involvement of social media in solving the case also emphasizes the evolving role of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations.
While the sentencing brings some form of justice, the families of the victims will forever live with the scars left by this horrific tragedy.
This case serves as a reminder of the violence that continues to plague certain areas of South Africa, and the need for continued vigilance in preventing such senseless acts in the future.
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