Kroonstad - Three men convicted of killing a teenager in an apparent satanic ritual have been jailed for life by the High Court in Kroonstad, Free State police said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Leepo Khamadi, 27, Relebohile Moru, 27, and Morena Khumalo, 26, were each sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the murder of Lerato Samuel Nyama, 16, Captain Stephen Thakeng said.
Around midnight on January 19, the men and Nyama met in an open space next to the Tshepong mine in Odendaalsrus.
Black candles were burnt as Khamadi stabbed the teenager, whose hands and feet were bound with shoelaces, in the back.
Nyama pleaded for his life, but Moru cut his throat, Thakeng said. The corpse was mutilated, with the genitals and eyes cut out.
A cellphone, book covers, a cap and shoes were stolen from Nyama. The three were also found guilty of robbery.
Odendaalsrus station commander, Colonel Disebo Cezula, congratulated Detective Constable Seleke Mahloko, who investigated the case.
“This is an indication that we will never tolerate these barbaric acts committed by the so-called devil worshippers,” Cezula said.
Sapa