Former Clover employees convicted of killing security guards

Two former Clover employees have been given two life sentences each for the killing of two security guards during an industrial protest.

They received an additional six years on their sentences at the Johannesburg High Court on Monday.

Clover employees kill guards during strike

Mohale Cleta Shokane, 34, and Vusimuzi Makula Duuba, 38, were found guilty of murdering Terence Tegg and Joao Jesus Cassanga.

They were also guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.

National Prosecution Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the incident occurred during an industrial strike by Clover South Africa employees on February 17, 2022.

Protesters were being bussed to present a memorandum of grievances at Clover’s headquarters in Boksburg when a stone was thrown from one of the buses, damaging the windshield of a security vehicle.

The protest quickly escalated and led to the brutal stoning of the two security officers.

Evidence presented by investigating officer Captain Robert Seckle was critical in the trial.

Key video footage from nearby factories, along with witness testimony, identified Shokane and Duuba as participants in the attack.

Although the defendants maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings, lead state attorney Matthews Rampyapedi successfully argued for the admission of the video evidence and admissions statements, which led to their sentence

Clover’s former employees show no remorse for the murder

During the sentencing phase, Rampyapedi emphasized the horrific nature of the killings, stating that the brutality of the killings far outweighed any mitigating factors presented by the defense.

Both victims were stoned to death in an act of merciless violence. The court agreed, calling the defendants’ actions “barbaric and totally unnecessary” and noting their lack of remorse.

In pronouncing the sentence, the court emphasized the importance of deterring similar acts of violence and the need to protect human life.

“This verdict is a stark reminder that violent acts, especially those committed in the context of protests or demonstrations, will not be tolerated,” Mjonondwane said.

“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure justice for the victims and their families.”