The Northern Cape High Court handed seven people a hefty sentence for the brutal murder of renowned Kimberley businessman Piet Els. The tragic case unfolded in January 2018, when Els, an 86-year-old farmer, and his partner were viciously assaulted at their home, Carter Ridge farm. The brutal attack left Els with severe injuries, resulting in his death 111 days later. Judge President Kathy Satchwell described the heinous nature of the crime, which not only involved murder but also home invasion and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The perpetrators, Morapedi Rankali, 28, Motlalalentwe Qhautse, 37, Lizbeth Ndlala, 56, Themba Lawrence Maja, 68, Oupa Jeffrey Mahomane, 44, Samson Sam Mbokane, 63, and Jabulani Wilson Zuma, 62, were sentenced to life in prison, receiving a combined sentence amounting to over 100 years. Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio
