A former police officer based in Welkom was found guilty of murdering his wife in 2021 and has been sentenced to effective 18 years’ imprisonment. The Free State High Court sentenced the accused, Tshidiso Isaac Tsolo (35), on Friday, 10 November, for murdering his wife, Sandra Tsolo, on 17 May 2021.
Both the accused and the deceased held the rank of constable, with both based in Welkom.
Capt. Stephen Thakeng, spokesperson for the Lejweleputswa police, said Tshidiso was convicted and sentenced on a count of murder to 20 years’ imprisonment, and three years on count of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He said five of the 20-year sentence was suspended.
Thakeng said the accused fatally shot his wife in Reitzpark, a suburb in Welkom.
“It was reported that the couple faced challenges in their relationship, culminating in a violent episode where Tshidiso attacked his wife and fatally shot her in the early hours of that fateful day. The body of the late Sandra Tsolo was discovered by a passerby around 07:00. The deceased was still wearing her nightdress,” said Thakeng.
He said the accused, who was arrested hours late on the same day, was granted R20 000 bail in January this year. Tsolo was attached to the Welkom police visible policing unit.
