Fatal Khadi fight convicts get suspended sentences

They were initially charged with murder but the offence was reduced following intense discussions between the prosecution and defence counsels. When passing sentence, Justice Lot Moroka said the conduct of the deceased caused his own death and therefore he (Moroka) cannot overburden the accused with unintentionally killing Setseeng.

Moroka then sentenced Brown and Kebadire each to five years in jail wholly suspended for a period of two years on condition that they do not commit any offence that has an element of violence within that period. “The two accused persons were convicted of manslaughter. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is life imprisonment. However, there is no statutory minimum sentence for manslaughter which means that passing sentences against people convicted of manslaughter is at the discretion of judges. In sentencing the accused I shall take into account the crime committed, interests of society, justice,” said Moroka, who added that the moral blameworthiness of the offender must be balanced against the severity of sentence.