Sylvester Mofokeng

Case identification

Sylvester Mofokeng (12) was a former prison escapee who was sentenced to life + 70 years in prison for a first murder and later received additional life sentences and a total of 145 years in prison.

Timeline

• 1983 — Mofokeng had previous convictions dating as far back as 1983 when he was 14 years old.
• April 1995 — Mofokeng committed 12 murders between April and June 1995.
• June 1995 — Mofokeng committed 12 murders between April and June 1995.
• March 23, 1995 — Mofokeng escaped from Diepkloof Prison while serving 70 years plus life for murder, attempted murder and robbery after a prison soccer match.
• August 1996 — Mofokeng escaped again; he obtained a gun from a visitor and used it to force guards to release him.
• August (year stated as August last year) — Mofokeng was shot and seriously wounded by police when he was rearrested following his escape from Diepkloof Prison.
• September 17, 1997 — Mofokeng was found guilty at the Johannesburg High Court of 12 murder and nine other charges.
• September 18, 1997 — Mofokeng was sentenced to 145 years in jail and 10 life sentences by the Johannesburg High Court.

Background

Sylvester Mofokeng, 25, had a criminal record that dated back to 1983 when he was 14 years old. His previous convictions included multiple convictions and sentences for theft, robbery, vandalism, unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, escaping from prison, attempted murder and murder.

The offence

Mofokeng was convicted of 12 murders committed between April and June 1995. The other charges included theft, housebreaking, robbery, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of arms and ammunition.

Investigation / arrest

Mofokeng was shot and seriously wounded by police in August last year when he was rearrested following his escape from Diepkloof Prison.

Escape history

Mofokeng escaped on March 23, 1995 while serving 70 years plus life for murder, attempted murder and robbery. He escaped after a prison soccer match. While returning to prison, he jumped out of the truck and ran through gates that were left unlocked. He was rearrested three months later, and later escaped again in August 1996. In the August 1996 escape, he obtained a gun from a visitor and used it to force guards to release him.

Trial

On September 17, 1997, Mofokeng was found guilty of 12 murder and nine other charges at the Johannesburg High Court. The State advocate, Rasigie Bhika, asked for life sentences to be imposed for the murder convictions and between 15 and 20 years for the other charges.

Bhika referred to Mofokeng’s previous convictions dating back to 1983.

Mofokeng was called “a professional killer, who was heartless and without remorse and killed for rewards.”

When Bhika asked for Mofokeng to sign the document concerning his previous convictions, he said he could not. After being prompted by the judge, he said: "The gunshot fucked up my hand, so I cannot write anymore".

Sentencing

On September 18, 1997, the Johannesburg High Court sentenced Mofokeng to 145 years in jail and 10 life sentences.

Judge Labe called Mofokeng a "professional killer, who was heartless and without remorse and killed for rewards." Judge Labe added that the murders were of such a cruel nature that, in the interests of the community, it had to be seen that justice had been done.

Sentence details

• Mofokeng was sentenced to life + 70 years in prison for the first murder.
• Mofokeng received 10 life terms + 145 years in prison on September 17, 1997.

Outcome

Mofokeng was convicted of 12 murders and nine other charges at the Johannesburg High Court and was sentenced to life + 70 years in prison for the first murder and further life terms and years in prison on September 17, 1997.

Other details

Mofokeng had the label “Multiple murderer and two-time prison escapee.” His murders were described as committed during home invasions while at large.