The Kagisanong police in Bloemfontein are investigating the brutal murder of another woman whose body was partially burnt. Probing into this matter entails the circumstances surrounding her murder and tracing of the killer.
After killing the victim, identified as Masabata Selina Lekonyane (45), the perpetrator set her body alight to, purportedly, destroy any evidence of the crime scene.
Lt Col. Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the police in the Mangaung Metro, said the deceased’s remains was found on Saturday, 17 August, at about 10:00.
He said the body had been found in a veld not far from the R702 road, a regional route in Bloemfontein.
“The woman was half-naked and her body was partially burnt from the chest to the face.
“The T-shirt she was wearing was pulled above the breast; her long, brown braided hairstyle could still be recognised,” he said.
Covane said signs of a violent attack on Lekonyane were visible.
“The deceased had a stab wound on the inner left thigh, as well as bruises indicating a struggle and possibly being dragged on the right thigh,” said Covane.
He said a member of the community had alerted the police about the gruesome find, adding the police were yet to make a breakthrough in the investigations.
He added that the woman was positively identified after the victim’s child had, on their own account, posted a photo of the victim on social media, seeking help after she did not return home.
This latest murder of a woman involving the body being burnt harkens back to a previous case, which involves Thato Tumahole, a learner from Welkom, who was killed in May this year.
Also suffering Tumahole’s fate was Sibongile Portia Ngwana, from Bloemfontein, and Dolly Maitumeleng Lebetsa, from Botshabelo, who were killed in July and November last year, respectively.
The accused linked to Ngwana’s killing, Thabang Matekane (27) and Lefu Lebeea (33), are still in custody; as is Mamello Katleho Seape (22), accused in Tumahole’s murder case.
Any member of the public with reliable information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspect or suspects involved in the most recent murder, is requested to contact the investigator, Lt Col. Mahlomola Kibinye, on 082-526-2722.
Alternatively, information can be submitted on the My SAPS app, or by calling the Crime Stop number 08600-10111.
