Cycle of Crime – Path of Self-Destruction
It is very interesting to see that those facing the murder charge were on a path of self- destruction and fit the normal profile of the cycle of crime going from petty crimes to eventual armed robbery and murder.
The Shoba brothers Sabelo and Stembiso rake up the charges
| Sthembiso Domoyi Shoba | ||||
| Case# | Station | Charge | Result | Sentence |
| 17/02 /2012 | Paulpieters- burg | Possession of Stolen Property. | Guilty | 2 Years Prison but Suspended for 5 years |
| 126/10 /2013 | Paulpieters- burg | Selling Liquor | Withdrawn | Nil |
| 253/03 /2015 | Paulpieters- burg | Theft | Guilty | R300 or 6 Months in Prison |
| 227/04 /2016 | Paulpieters- burg | Possession of Dagga | Guilty | R400 or 40 days in Prison |
| No Firearm Endorsement | ||||
| 135/05 /2016 | Paulpieters- burg | Possession of Stolen Property. | Guilty | R5000 or 12 Months in Prison |
| 135/05 /2016 | Paulpieters- burg | Murder – Filter | Guilty | No Firearm Endorse- ment |
| Sabelo Abel Shoba | ||||
| Case# | Station | Charge | Result | Sentence |
| 195/03/2015 | Paulpietersburg | Stock Theft | Withdrawn | Nil |
| 86/09/2015 | Paulpietersburg | Common Assault | Withdrawn | Nil |
| 04/09/2015 | Paulpietersburg | Assault GBH | Withdrawn | Nil |
| 135/05/2016 | Paulpietersburg | Murder – Filter | Convicted |
To add they were both convicted and received:
25 years with a further 1 X 10 ands 1 X 15 years for murder.
| Bheki Sthembiso Simelane (204 State Witness) | ||||
| Case# | Station | Charge | Result | Sentence |
| 74/03/2006 | Paulpietersburg | Robbery | Guilty | R800 or 2 Months in Prison |
| 139/12/2011 | Paulpietersburg | Culpable Homicide | Guilty |
It is interesting to note that in the case of accused number three, Bheki Simelane who turned State witness and was absolved by the Judge, resulting in his conviction being sacrificed in order for him to testify against the others, was actually placed under witness protection before and during the trial. However, he was later sentenced to life imprisonment as he had raped a woman while under the witness protection program. The State’s justification for sacrificing a conviction against the witness is that without offering indemnity, it may not secure any convictions at all. These decisions are taken in extreme circumstances. Mr Simelane had a second chance and he had the ability to start his life over, to rethink his life purpose and contribute to the betterment of our country and nation. He chose crime!