By Staff Reporter
TZANEEN – Three men involved in a violent ATM bombing that shook Letsitele town in Mopani District have been sentenced to a staggering 143 years imprisonment each by the Tzaneen Regional Court on 13 June 2025.
The convicted criminals — Malemela Erick Makwala (49), Mcezi Gonody Mashele (38), and Lucas Kotoane Maabane (42) — were found guilty of multiple serious charges stemming from a brazen ATM bombing incident that took place in the early hours of 15 October 2017.
During the attack, the gang used explosives to blast two ATMs, belonging to FNB and Capitec, and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The violent heist unfolded in Letsitele, and the suspects fled the scene in a Toyota Yarisand a Ford Focus. They also fired shots at a security response vehicle as they escaped.
Police quickly responded, and the case was handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit (SOCIU) in Polokwane, which led to the arrest of the trio just a day later, on 16 October 2017.
During the arrest, officers recovered a rifle, two pistols, ammunition, and explosives. Ballistic testing later confirmed that the seized firearms were used to shoot at the armed response security vehicle during the robbery.
Following multiple court appearances and a postponed sentencing after their conviction on 28 May 2025, the court handed down the following sentences:
- Count 1 – Attempted Theft: 8 years
- Count 3 – Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances: 15 years
- Count 5 – Possession of Prohibited Firearm: 15 years
- Count 6 – Possession of Firearm: 15 years
- Count 7 – Possession of Ammunition: 5 years
- Count 8 – Attempted Murder: 10 years
- Count 9 – Possession of Explosives: 15 years
- Count 10 – Possession of Firearm: 15 years
- Count 11 – Possession of Firearm: 15 years
- Count 13 – Possession of Prohibited Firearm: 15 years
- Count 14 – Possession of Ammunition: 5 years
- Count 15 – Possession of Explosives: 15 years
The accused were not convicted on counts 2 and 4, which related to malicious damage to property.
In total, each of the three men was sentenced to 143 years imprisonment and declared unfit to possess firearms.
Major General Gopz Govender, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, praised the investigating officer for the thorough and dedicated work that led to the convictions.
“This is a brilliant and highly commendable investigation. You are a role model and an asset within Limpopo DPCI. Your caliber is a rare commodity in these days. Well done, my Colonel,” said Govender.
