Sebele to be sentenced tomorrow

Yesterday, Magistrate Dumisane Basupi postponed the sentencing after mitigation by defence attorney, Shame Taimu. Taimu pleaded with the court to be lenient with Sebele, arguing that he (Sebele) led a crime-free life before the alleged goat theft case. The 65-year-old Sebele is said to be suffering from chronic ulcer, something that his attorney said, needs constant medication.

Taimu also pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as Sebele had contributed immensely to the development of customary justice in the country. The court, which was packed to capacity, also heard that Sebele had no previous convictions, hence Taimu urged the court to treat his client as a first offender.