A double life sentence was handed down to a 23-year-old man following his conviction for the brutal murder of a grandmother and a toddler in Pampierstad in the Northern Cape.
On the day of the attack, he fatally assaulted the three-year-old child with a braai fork after setting a room alight, leading to a 74-year-old woman succumbing to the flames.
Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock, police spokesperson, says on 23 May 2023, Thapelo Modise entered his neighbour’s house where he fatally attacked three-year-old Oratile Loeto with a braai fork.
When the child’s mother, grandmother and a visiting neighbour tried to intervene, Modise stabbed them before locking them inside a bedroom. He then set the room alight and fled the scene.
A family member arrived home shortly afterwards and managed to break open the door, which had been secured with wire. He rescued his 71-year-old mother and 21-year-old sister-in-law. However, the 74-year-old neighbour, Kgomotso Gladys Kalabatane, succumbed to the flames.
The surviving victims were admitted to hospital with serious stab and burn wounds. Modise was arrested shortly after the incident, and bail was successfully opposed.
On Monday, 15 September, the Taung Regional Court sentenced Modise to life imprisonment for each murder – resulting in the double life sentence – and another five years’ imprisonment for attempted murder.
“Gender-based violence and femicide cannot be tolerated in our communities. Brutal killers such as Thapelo Modise must be permanently removed from society to ensure safety and security for women, children, and other vulnerable groups,” said Major General Charlotte Makgari, the Frances Baard District Commissioner.
She commended Detective Sergeant James Seimelo of the detective unit in Pampierstad for his meticulous investigative work which secured this outcome.
Two sentenced in violent cases in Kimberley
In two separate and unrelated cases, the Kimberley Regional Court convicted and sentenced Itumeleng Bergman (30) and Moithusimang Gema (25) to ten years and six years’ imprisonment, respectively.
Evidence presented in court revealed that on 18 August 2024, Bergman attacked his 50-year-old aunt during an altercation in Galeshewe, Kimberley, pouring a bottle of acid on her face and causing severe injuries.
In the second case, on 18 September 2024 in Witdam, Galeshewe, Gema stabbed his father after being refused permission to watch television whilst other family members were asleep.
Both accused were found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and sentenced accordingly, says Sergeant Timothy Sam of the police’s Northern Cape Media Centre.
“Domestic violence continues to have devastating effects on families and communities, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-lasting psychological scars.” – Major General Charlotte Makgari, Frances Baard District Commissioner.
She commended investigating officers Detective Warrant Officer Stephen Wax and Constable Zanele Hlongwane for their dedication and meticulous work.
Sentenced after setting boy alight
In yet another unrelated case in Upington, two men were sentenced for the murder of a 14-year-old boy by setting him alight.
Sergeant Omphile Masegela of the ZF Mgcawu Corporate Communication unit of the police says the incident happened during the afternoon of 1 August 2024. The 41-year-old accused, Elvis Sikepe, and his two co-accused, Isaac Vywer (20) and Thomas Lebitsa (21), forcefully took 14-year-old Theo Ditheo from his home, accusing him of having his dagga.
Sikepe drove the boy to a location where he was said to have kept the dagga, but could not find it. Sikepe assaulted the boy, and afterwards, they all drove to a shop where he bought paraffin.
They went to a deserted area in Makweta Valley, and Sikepe poured fuel on the boy and tied him to Vywer, threatening to burn them both.
After deciding to untie Vywer, Sikepe instructed him to set the boy alight, which he did. The trio tried to douse the flames and then transported the deceased to hospital. Sikepe indicated the deceased had tried to take his own life.
Theo succumbed to his injuries, and a case of kidnapping and murder was registered. Subsequently, the three accused were arrested.
On 25 August this year, the Northern Cape High Court convicted and sentenced Sikepe to 25 years’ imprisonment for murder and six years for kidnapping. Vywer was not found guilty and Lebitsa was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for murder.
The investigating officers, Sergeant Riaan Olyn and Sergeant Charles Mavimbela, were applauded for the meticulous investigation and the teamwork displayed along with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in ensuring the perpetrators were brought to justice.
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