In a landmark ruling, the Johannesburg High Court has sentenced two former employees of Clover South Africa, Mohale Cleta Shokane (34) and Vusimuzi Makula Duuba (38), to two life sentences each for the murders of security officers Terence Tegg and Joao Jesus Cassanga. The verdict, delivered on Monday, follows a trial that highlighted the tragic consequences of a violent industrial protest that escalated on February 17, 2022.
Both Shokane and Duuba were found guilty not only of murder but also of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property. The case arose from a protest in which Clover employees were transported by bus to deliver a memorandum of grievances to the company's head office in Boksburg. Tensions flared when a stone was thrown from one of the buses, shattering the windshield of a security vehicle. This incident quickly spiraled out of control, culminating in the brutal assaults and subsequent murders of Tegg and Cassanga.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), emphasized the violent nature of the crime, stating, “The protest rapidly escalated, resulting in the brutal assault and murder of the two security officers.” Key evidence presented during the trial included video footage from nearby factories and witness testimonies, which were instrumental in identifying Shokane and Duuba as active participants in the violent events. Despite their claims of innocence throughout the proceedings, senior state advocate Matthews Rampyapedi successfully argued for the admissibility of this critical video evidence, which played a pivotal role in securing the convictions.
The court condemned the actions of Shokane and Duuba as “barbaric and wholly unnecessary,” noting their apparent lack of remorse. In addition to their life sentences, both men received an additional six-year sentence for assault and malicious damage to property, underscoring the severity of their actions.
“This verdict serves as a stark reminder that violent acts, particularly those committed during protests or demonstrations, will not be tolerated in our society,” Mjonondwane asserted. The case also drew attention to the crucial role of private prosecution units in ensuring justice. AfriForum’s private prosecution unit represented Tegg’s fiancée, Michele Bebbington, and Cassanga's family, working closely with police and the prosecution to compile evidence and present a robust case in court.
Barry Bateman, spokesperson for the AfriForum unit, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He stated, “Too often, we witness perpetrators of mob justice and violent protesters escaping accountability, despite clear video evidence of their actions. This conviction and sentence send a powerful message: taking the law into your own hands carries severe consequences.”
Bebbington shared her feelings regarding the verdict, saying, “I believe justice has been served. They deserve this punishment. You cannot take a life and expect to go unpunished. I think this is a just sentence.”
The impact of this case extends beyond the immediate parties involved. It raises critical questions about the nature of protests in contemporary society, the responsibilities of individuals during collective actions, and the need for law enforcement to maintain order while respecting the right to peaceful demonstration. As communities continue to engage in industrial action and protests, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for violence inherent in such situations and the importance of upholding lawful conduct.
In the broader context, the sentencing may also inspire conversations about the measures necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Ensuring safety during protests and protecting the rights of all involved, including security personnel, remains a pressing issue for lawmakers and society at large.