Kanana tavern murder: two Crazy Dogs gang members get 26 years each

Two members of the Crazy Dogs gang have each been sentenced to 26 years in prison for the murder of 20-year-old Gift Kolobi at a tavern in Kanana in December 2014.

The Klerksdorp Regional Court handed down the sentences to Letebele Motaung, 32, and Thapelo Solomon Molefe, 36, on Thursday, 8 October 2026, according to a South African Police Service media statement from the office of the North West provincial commissioner. The statement is a summary of the case and the sentencing, not the court record itself.

Kolobi was stabbed on the night of Thursday, 4 December 2014. Police responded to a complaint at the tavern and were told on arrival that the victim had been taken to a nearby clinic, where he was declared dead. A murder case was opened.

The police account says the initial investigation found that gang members had confronted Kolobi, accusing him of associating with a rival gang and of removing a gang-related tattoo. He was then attacked and stabbed by several suspects.

Three suspects were arrested at the time by Kanana Crime Prevention members. A knife believed to have been used in the attack was recovered, along with a bloodstained T-shirt allegedly linked to the incident. The matter was subsequently withdrawn.

It was only after the Provincial Anti-Gang Investigation Unit was established in 2021 that the docket was transferred to the unit for further investigation. The case was assigned to Warrant Officer BE Matlhoko, whose work led to warrants of arrest being issued.

Motaung was arrested on Monday, 11 September 2023 by members of the Anti-Gang Investigation Unit and Kanana detectives. Molefe was arrested the following week, on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, in Kanana. The State successfully opposed bail and the matter was transferred to the Klerksdorp Regional Court for trial.

Both accused pleaded not guilty. After evidence was presented, they were found guilty of murder.

Alongside the prison terms, both men were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000.

Warrant Officer Matlhoko led the investigation. The matter was prosecuted by Mrs Nkefi Molamu before Magistrate Mrs Mamana.

The North West provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, welcomed the sentences and commended the investigating team for bringing the case to finality.

“The lengthy sentences demonstrate that gang related violence will not be tolerated,” Adams said. “I commend the investigators and prosecution for their perseverance in securing justice for the victim and his family.”

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Two gang members sentenced to 26 years for murder in Kanana. https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71698