Day: October 9, 2021

The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Lusikisiki arrested a 49-year-old relative for the alleged rape of his niece at Tsweleni Loc Buhlanyanga A/A on Thursday 07 October 2021.

It is alleged that the 13-year-old victim was on her way from the shop with her uncle when she was dragged into nearby bushes and raped.

The suspect is detained and will appear in the Lusikisiki magistrate court on Monday, 11 October 2021.

Source: South African Police Service

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has welcomed the sentence handed down to a 21-year-old Karabo Bahurutshe by the North West High Court in Mahikeng on Friday, 08 October 2021.

Bahurutshe’s conviction came after intensive and thorough investigation conducted following an incident wherein the victim, Gomolemo Legae who was 18-years-old at the time, was stabbed several times and ultimately doused with petrol and set alight by the convict. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, 01 December 2019, at Ramosadi village, outside Mahikeng.

It was reported at the time of the incident that on the said day, Legae was on her way home when a member of the community heard her screaming. Although she was subsequently found bleeding, she managed to inform the members of the community who the suspect was. Legae who suffered third degree burns, later succumbed to her injuries.

The convict who evaded the arrest, was handed over to the police by his brother on Monday afternoon, 02 December 2019. He was then detained and charged with rape and murder. Bahurutshe has been in detention until his sentencing after the police successfully opposed his bail.

Bahurutshe was eventually sentenced as follows:

Rape: 10 years imprisonment;

Murder: Life imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Isaac Ndlovu and prosecution for their cooperation that culminated in the conviction and maximum sentence.

Source: South African Police Service

Mfuleni police have opened an inquest docket following an incident where an off-duty police official, his wife and two children died in a fire in the area on Friday evening.

Police reports indicate a tenant on the premises heard screams after 21:30 coming from the main house and went to investigate. The tenant tried to gain access to the house. The bodies of the 48-year-old police sergeant and his 38-year-old wife were discovered in the bedroom of their home in Ringwood Street Wesbank, Mfuleni. Their two children aged eight and four years were found in the passage already dead. All deceased persons are suspected to have died of smoke inhalation. Meanwhile the deceased couple’s 18-year-old daughter who suffered burn wounds is currently in hospital. Her 11-month-old child was also admitted to hospital for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is the subject of the police investigation.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Thembisile Patekile has conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased persons.

The names of the deceased individuals will be released once their next of kin have been informed.

Source: South African Police Service