Testimonies of state witnesses, which included correctional services officials and inmates at the facility, were branded as contradictory at best and weakened the state's case against Mojalefa Letele. The testimonies of inmates, including Jongikhaya Samsam, who killed a Goedemoed female prison warder, were labelled as lies and fabrication. 

This, as Samsam had alleged that Letele conspired with him to kill Nomsa Stuurnam in exchange for R100 000 and a pair of sneakers because his relationship with Stuurman was not on good terms. 

Judge Pitso Molitsoane labelled the testimony of Samsam and of a fellow inmate who testified on behalf of the state, as inconceivable and improbable. He said officials, contrary to the inmates, had testified that Letele's relationship with Stuurman was good.

The High Court heard of three possible scenarios of why Samsam had killed Stuurman. In the first incident, Samsam had apparently lost money belonging to 26 gang where he was a top high ranking member, and this cost him his position and privilege amongst the group. The court also heard that Samsam was under pressure to repay the money and he suggested the spilling of blood by stabbing of an official. But this suggestion was then rejected by a general of the gang and it was then suggested that he be helped to raise the money.

In another incident, Samsam had informed a fellow gang member who shared the same rank as Samsam, that Stuurman undermined and disrespected him.

In the last scenario, it's alleged that Samsam, who was due for parole, was not happy with Stuurman and had accused her of mocking him for his failed parole process. This, after his family apparently refused to sign him out of prison.

Samsam brutally killed Stuurman in 2019 and raped her pregnant colleague while keeping the two officials hostage.

Samsam was slapped with double life sentences by the High Court in October 2019 for killing Stuurman and for raping and holding her colleague hostage. 

Letele was acquired of murder and alternatively conspiracy to commit murder. Judge Molitsoane said no reasonable court of law would convict Letele on the evidence.

 OFM News