Two Lesotho nationals have been sentenced to a combined 27 years in prison for murdering fellow countrymen in separate incidents in the North West and Northern Cape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) secured a 12-year direct imprisonment sentence against 23-year-old Tshepo Nkhope in Koster, North West, for murdering a man who had visited his residence looking for his girlfriend.

In a separate case, Phosholi Peete was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for stabbing fellow Lesotho national Thabo Rakeketsi to death following an argument at their workplace in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape.

The cases highlight two separate incidents of fatal violence involving men from the same neighbouring country, with both perpetrators now facing lengthy prison sentences.

Nkhope’s crime occurred on April 26, 2025, when the deceased arrived at his residence looking for his girlfriend, who was friends with Nkhope’s girlfriend.

According to evidence presented in court, Nkhope opened the door before allegedly dragging the visitor into the house, covering him with a Basotho blanket, tying him up with a belt and stabbing him.

Although the victim managed to escape, he later succumbed to his injuries at his own residence.

Nkhope was arrested and pleaded not guilty to murder. However, the State presented evidence from a witness, leading to his conviction.

During sentencing, prosecutor Patrick Chauke told the court about the prevalence of murder cases in Koster and the devastating consequences of violent crime on victims’ families.

The State argued that Nkhope had shown no remorse and urged the court to impose a sentence that would discourage others from resorting to violence.

The court sentenced him to 12 years’ direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

In the Northern Cape case, Peete was convicted of murdering Rakeketsi after an argument at their employer’s premises in Jan Kempdorp.

The two men had been instructed to look for missing livestock belonging to their employer.

Evidence revealed that the men had been drinking alcohol since the previous night when an argument broke out.

Rakeketsi attempted to walk away from Peete, who appeared intent on fighting him.

However, Peete allegedly stood up and stabbed him in the chest before pursuing him and stabbing him again in the back.

The force of the attack caused the knife handle to break, leaving the blade lodged in Rakeketsi’s back.

Peete fled the scene.

During the trial, he denied murdering Rakeketsi and attempted to implicate other people he claimed were present.

However, an additional witness called by the court corroborated the State’s evidence, confirming that only Peete, Rakeketsi and the State witness were in the yard when the stabbing occurred.

The court rejected Peete’s version and found him guilty of murder and contravening the Immigration Act.

Prosecutor Matilda Sekhoetsane argued during sentencing that Rakeketsi had posed no threat to Peete and was attempting to walk away when he was attacked.

A victim impact statement presented to the court detailed how Rakeketsi’s death had affected his children, who had lost the financial support he provided.

Peete received 15 years’ direct imprisonment for murder and three months for contravening the Immigration Act. The sentences will run concurrently.

The NPA welcomed both sentences, reiterating that disagreements and interpersonal conflicts cannot justify taking another person’s life.

North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari urged communities to refrain from using violence to resolve disputes.