Man Apologizes After Beheading Sello Morobe

Confessed Killer Seeks Forgiveness

Thabiso Mosola, the man who brutally murdered Sello Morobe and cut off his head, has publicly apologized to the victim’s family. He transported the body using a wheelbarrow to Masimong Village, QwaQwa, and later expressed remorse in the Free State High Court in Harrismith on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Mosola pleaded guilty to murder and attempting to obstruct justice. He voluntarily took the stand to recount the gruesome details of his crime.

Chilling Testimony in Court

During his testimony, Mosola was subjected to intense questioning by State Senior Prosecutor Advocate Victor Choane. The prosecutor demanded answers about his motives for the brutal killing, the beheading, and the subsequent burning of the body.

In response, Mosola admitted that he saw an opportunity when Sello was intoxicated.

“The deceased was heavily drunk. I saw an opportunity to kill him. I stabbed him several times with a sharp knife. When he fell, I sat on top of him and cut off his head,” he confessed.

He further described how he transported the body and head separately to a river.

“I took his body in a wheelbarrow along with his head. I then burned the body and threw the head into the flooded Namahadi River, far from where I left the body.”

Mosola claimed that Sello had been abusing and threatening him for a long time, which led him to commit the crime.

“He used to take my money and constantly threatened to kill me if I reported him. I was overwhelmed with anger. I apologize to his family and the public,” he said.

Defense Appeals for Leniency

Mosola’s defense lawyer pleaded for a reduced sentence, arguing that the accused had shown remorse and cooperated with investigators.

“The accused voluntarily confessed and apologized. He is a first-time offender and was very young when he committed the crime. We request a minimum sentence of 20 to 25 years in light of these factors,” the defense lawyer stated.

However, the state prosecutor opposed this, arguing that the murder was premeditated and carried out in an exceptionally brutal manner.

“The accused did not show genuine remorse. He must explain why he killed Sello in such a horrific way. His actions suggest premeditation rather than youthful immaturity,” the prosecutor argued.

Judge Delivers 30-Year Sentence

High Court Judge Joseph Mhlambi emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice.

“The accused made a conscious decision to kill the deceased. He was 18 at the time, which does not excuse the brutality of the murder. The crime was planned, and he attempted to destroy evidence,” the judge stated.

The judge also noted that Sello’s uncle described the murder as one that treated his nephew “like a dog.” Given the heinous nature of the crime, the court sentenced Mosola to 30 years in prison.

Family Rejects Apology

The Morobe family has rejected Mosola’s apology, calling it insincere.

Family spokesperson Sinah Lebeko expressed their horror at hearing the gruesome details for the first time.

“We were terrified to hear what he did to our son. We do not accept his apology. However, we feel some relief with the sentencing,” she said.

Sello’s sister, Matshidiso Morobe, collapsed in court upon hearing the testimony. Meanwhile, Sello’s uncle, Samuel Lebeko, reiterated that his nephew was “killed like a dog.”

The sentencing has brought some closure to the family, but they continue to mourn the loss of their loved one.