DOUBLE-MURDER ACCUSED SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS AND 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR ROBBERY

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A 29-year-old man from Dithakong Village near Kuruman has been sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for the brutal murders of his 33-year-old half-sister and her 11-year-old son. The accused was further sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentencing was handed down by the High Court sitting in Kathu on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, 22 January 2025, at Dithakong Village. It is alleged that the accused went to the deceased’s residence to demand money. When his request was refused, he asked for food and waited while the deceased prepared a meal.

While waiting, the accused sent the deceased’s son to a nearby shop to buy cigarettes. Once the child had left, the accused demanded that the deceased give him a bank card that belonged to his stepmother. When she refused, he became violent, dragged her to the bedroom, and fatally stabbed her in the neck.

After the attack, he searched the house, found the bank card, locked the house, and fled the scene.

While on his way home, the accused realised that the child had not yet returned from the shop. He went back to the house and waited. Upon the child’s return, the accused killed him in a similar manner. He then locked the house and left the scene again.

Three days later, the mother of the deceased visited the residence and discovered the bodies inside the house in an advanced state of decomposition. The police were immediately alerted.

Cases of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances were registered at Bothitong Police Station, and the matter was assigned to Detective Constable Katlego Tom. Through intensive investigations and information received, police identified the accused as the prime suspect.

He was arrested four days after the incident and was found in possession of the  bank card he took from the deceased, her cellphone, and blood-stained clothing.

The accused remained in custody from the time of his arrest until sentencing.

In addition to the two life sentences, the accused was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and was declared unfit to possess a firearm. He will serve the full term of the sentences imposed.

The Acting District Commissioner of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended Detective Constable Tom for his dedication and professionalism.

“Congratulations to Detective Constable Tom for the outstanding work and for ensuring that justice is served for the innocent lives that were taken in such a brutal manner,” said Brigadier Baloyi.