Welkom – The South African Police Service in the Free State has confirmed that a 55-year-old Mozambican national has been sentenced for the murder of a police officer and several related offences.
The Frimino David Matola was sentenced by the Free State High Court sitting in Welkom on 24 April 2026, following his conviction a day earlier on multiple charges.
According to police, Matola was found guilty of the murder of Disema Steven Mapane, two counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of an automatic firearm and ammunition, as well as contravention of immigration laws.
The charges relate to an incident on 6 December 2022 in Thabong, Welkom, where Sergeant Mapane was fatally shot.
Police said the sentencing brings closure to a case that has been before the courts for more than three years, highlighting the seriousness of crimes committed against law enforcement officers.
Further details on the sentence were not immediately disclosed.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
