The motive for the gruesome murder of Botshabelo woman Dolly Maitumeleng Lebetsa (37) is related to money. This is according to the police’s preliminary findings into the woman’s death on 4 July at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
The deceased’s husband, Dikgang Lebetsa (37), is charged with murder.
“It is alleged that the husband accused his wife of stealing the money he kept for transport,” said Lt. Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the police in the Mangaung Metro.
He said the husband was remanded in custody while an investigation is going into the gruesome incident.
On 12 May, the husband allegedly doused Maitumeleng with petrol and thereafter set her on fire. The incident happened at the couple’s residence in Section A, Botshabelo, outside Bloemfontein.
After two months in hospital, fighting for her life after the brutal attack, she succumbed to her wounds.
Maitumeleng was laid to rest on Saturday (15/07), with the funeral service held at her parents’ residence in Section K.
The incident has sparked uproar with calls made for harsh punishment.
Motshidise Koloi, MEC for Social Development, has taken up the matter with the justice system, which involves the police, in its pursuit of justice for the victim.
The suspect is set to reappear in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court on 31 July, and is facing a charge of murder after Maitumeleng’s subsequent death after being set alight.
