10 November 2006
The 23-year-old
Legal counsel for Kabelo Thibedi had asked the court to consider correctional supervision as a sentence, instead of imprisonment. This was rejected by the state.
Thibedi has maintained from the beginning that he held Lanelle Small hostage with a toy gun out of desperation after waiting for two years for his ID book. He says that, because he could not provide his employers with the identification document, he had lost his job. He has also been unable to find alternative employment.
Since the incident, Thibedi, who reportedly has no history of violence, has received overwhelming support from the public, many of whom have expressed their frustration with the Home Affairs department. Legal aid was also offered to him from across the country.
Thibedi was granted leave to appeal against the sentence, and his R3000 bail was extended.
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