Murder was ‘overkill’ – judge
A SAVAGE and senseless attack was how Northern Cape High Court Judge Cecille Williams described the way in which 33-yearold Joel Mokomela killed Thandeka Plaatjie, before sentencing him to a total of 21 years.
Mokomela received 18 years for the murder and a further three years for theft. The sentences will run concurrently.
Plaatjie was stabbed 19 times by Mokomela at her house in Jan Kempdorp on December 28 2014, after she apparently refused to have sex with him following a night out together with friends.
Mokomela, after the incident, also stole Plaatjie’s television.
Williams said during sentencing that the incident was of such severity that it could be classified as “overkill”.
She said the fact that Mokomela was under the influence of alcohol could not be seen as a compelling circumstance.
“Because it is the first time the accused is convicted of murder, the prescribed sentence is 15 years, unless the court can find compelling circumstances to deviate from this. In this matter, the only factor that had to be taken into consideration was that the accused was under the influence of alcohol.
“That factor, however, is not enough for the court to give a lesser sentence. The accused was not drunk enough to prevent him from carrying the television from the scene and he was even sober enough to wash his bloody clothes afterwards in an attempt to get rid of the evidence,” Williams said.
She pointed out that the death of Plaatjie had left a huge void in the life of her family.
“The accused has shown no remorse for his actions. He has taken the life of a vibrant, young woman who was an asset to society. The deceased was a single mother, who was trying to maintain herself as well as her child. She had her best years ahead and the accused shortened her life and that had an impact on the family. The deceased’s father also passed away shortly after her death.
“Mokomela also left a nine-yearold child without a mother,” Williams said.
She further stated that Mokomela’s string of convictions had not stopped him from committing further crimes.
“The accused has a criminal record ranging from theft to housebreaking and assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm, for which he is currently serving a three-year sentence.
“Unfortunately for society the justice system has been kind to the accused when looking at his previous convictions and the sentences imposed. Society is sick of these type of crimes committed against women and looks to the courts to protect communities against men who show no respect for women,” she said.
The sister of the deceased, Boniwe Plaatjie, said she was pleased with the sentence and felt that justice had been served.
“We wanted him to get a life sentence but the court was fair. We are pleased that we managed to see the perpetrator go to jail for his ac- tions. There are so many cases that are not solved. We were also fortunate that the witnesses came forward to assist the police during the investigation as this man could easily have walked free if he had returned to Christiana.
“We can now rebuild our lives after this tragedy,” she said.
She warned young women to be cautious of strangers they meet when going out.
“Young people, especially women, must be careful of the people they meet when out at night.
“Some people look decent but one cannot see what they are planning. My sister died because she misjudged someone who she thought was trustworthy,” she said.