Four men sentenced to 48 years each for murder and robbery in the Northern Cape

Six suspects were initially detained, but charges against one were dropped.

The leadership of the Northern Cape province has welcomed the conviction of four men for the murder of Khalil Ghazy.

The four men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the brutal murder of Ghazy, a 38-year-old victim of a violent robbery outside the Kekkel en Kraai store in Springbok on February 1, 2023.

The Springbok High Court handed down substantial sentences to the four suspects on Thursday.

Brothers involved in murder

The perpetrators were two brothers, Rapaleng Brooks, 27, and Ditiro Brooks, 28, along with Ohentse Bless, 34, and Stahls Mokoding, 42.

All members of the group were each sentenced to 25 years for murder, 18 years for robbery and 5 years for illegal possession of ammunition and a firearm.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Victim robbed and killed

According to police reports, the incident took place around 10 am when Ghazy was getting out of his vehicle outside the shop.

Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said four suspects attacked the deceased and stole a large amount of money.

Ehers said when the victim tried to resist, he was fatally shot.

Six suspects reduced to four

Investigators were reported to have conducted a comprehensive investigation that led to the recovery of the stolen cash, firearms and ammunition.

Six suspects were initially detained, but charges against one were dropped.

In addition, another suspect died during the judicial process.

Ehlers said a Detective Capt. Harold McNeil was commended for his meticulous investigation that ultimately brought the perpetrators to justice.

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