Her decomposed body was found days later by her children after she was reported missing.

But in his recent verdict, Acting Appeal Court judge Dr Van Der Weshuizen said the court had considered the extenuating factors to which the High Court did not give sufficient weight.

Setting aside the sentences imposed by the High Court Dr Weshuizen said the factors were duly weighed against the seriousness of the offences.
The court therefore reduced Mrs Molise’s sentence to 15 years imprisonment for murder and 10 years for robbery.

Her son Khotso’s new sentence is a 12-year jail term for murder and eight years for robbery.

Mrs Mokoaleli’s new sentence is now 15 years for murder and 10 years for robbery.

The court also stated that each sentence for each appellant would run concurrently from the date of sentencing by the High Court.

Handing down his ruling five years ago, Justice Monaphathi said the crimes committed on a defenseless victim who was already in her mid-80's were unprovoked, senseless and motivated by greed.
He said the court was convinced the convicts’ acts were premeditated as they later stole her property after mercilessly butchering her.

He said they did not show any remorse for what they did in that they opted to remain silent instead of explaining why they killed the deceased.
Evidence before court shows that after killing Mrs Mahase with a butcher knife which was later found at the crime scene, the three convicts locked her up in her bedroom before stealing her property that included cash, home appliances, kitchen utensils and mobile phones.