Johannesburg - One of the men involved in the shootout that claimed the life of 3-year-old Luke Tibbetts has been released from custody, with the family of the child deeply distressed at the news.
In August, a stray bullet from a shooting in Westbury hit the child as he and his mother were driving through the area. The little boy was kept on life support for several days but eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Two men were arrested for the crime: Lindray Khaku, who was charged with murder for firing the bullet, and Keenan Mokwena, who pointed the gun that allegedly began the shootout.
But earlier this week, Luke’s uncle Llewellyn Valentine heard from neighbours that Mokwena was back on the streets of Westbury. He said on Thursday that he immediately contacted the head of Sophiatown police station, who confirmed the release.
According to Valentine, Mokwena pleaded guilty to the charges he faced and was sentenced to a year in prison or a R3 000 fine. Apparently, Mokwena opted for the fine, as Valentine himself saw Mokwena out and about on Wednesday.
The grieving uncle said he was disappointed in the justice system, as he had been promised by officials that the pair would be subject to stern prosecution. “We are disappointed, but I just don’t know what to say,” he said, also saying the family were not informed of Mokwena’s court proceedings.
According to Valentine, he immediately contacted the office of Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, but since his complaint was laid, he has yet to hear back.
Her spokesman Thapelo Moiloa said the department was still waiting for the docket to study it before making a statement.
While enquiries were filed with Sophiatown police station, there was no reply available by the time of publication.
Meanwhile, Khaku is still behind bars, awaiting his murder trial set down for next year.
The Star