Qacha’s Nek, Jan. 16 — A 57-year-old man of Ha Rapase, Ha Pheello has avoided jail after paying a M2,000 fine following his conviction for illegal possession of a firearm.
Senior Resident Magistrate Ts’eliso Bale of the Qacha’s Nek Magistrate Court sentenced Sello Seipati on Friday to two years’ imprisonment or a M2,000 fine after finding him guilty of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Bale said the court had considered that Seipati was a first-time offender and had pleaded guilty, thereby saving the court’s time. However, he stressed that the offence was serious and required a deterrent sentence.
“Unlawful firearms have become a menace, causing havoc and loss of lives to citizens,” Magistrate Bale said.
The court further ordered that the firearm be handed over to Detective Sergeant Chale Moloinyane for further investigations in connection with a murder case registered under CR 04/26…
