KIMBERLEY – The 31-year-old Chris Letratu from Platfontein outside Kimberley was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his 54-year-old mother.
On 1 August 2024, at approximately 21:00, the accused set the curtains of their home alight, broke the windows and woke up his sleeping mother. He then beat her to death with a pickaxe.
Letratu was subsequently arrested and remained in jail until his sentencing on Friday, 12 September, in the Kimberley Regional Court, says Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock, police spokesperson.
The acting provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, Major General Thabo Mphuthi, applauded Detective Sergeant Kelaegile Mosala for her profound investigation leading to the sentence.
Four arrested after Beaconsfield store robbery
Also in Kimberley, but in an unrelated matter, three male suspects robbed a clothing store in Main Road, Beaconsfield, on Saturday, 13 September, at approximately 09:00.
Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane, communication officer, says it is alleged that the three male suspects, aged 27, 29 and 38, entered the store armed with a firearm. They reportedly threatened staff, demanded cash, and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.
Acting on information received, members of the Kimberley Crime Prevention unit traced the suspects to Galeshewe, where they and their getaway vehicle, a blue Kia, were spotted.
At approximately 12:00, the suspects were found inside a house belonging to a 49-year-old man, while they were attempting to destroy evidence. During the search, police recovered cash, two knives, a ball gun, and two live rounds.
The suspects, as well as the homeowner, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.
The vehicle believed to have been used during the commission of the crime was also confiscated.
Gopane says the suspects remain in custody and will appear in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court soon.
You must be logged in to post a comment.