A reward of R50 000 is offered by the police for information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators involved in the rape and murder of Tankiso Esther Tawanyane (34) from Roodepan, Kimberley.
Tawanyane was allegedly raped by three men and later set alight with paraffin on Friday, 7 October, at approximately 20:20. She was found in front of a shanty in Lethabo Park.
Tawanyane succumbed to her injuries in hospital the next day.
The deceased’s family has indicated that Tawanyane may have been targeted vulnerable to attack due to her being a member of the LGBTQI community.
Ofentse Mokae, MPL and DA Northern Cape spokesperson of Transport, Safety and Liaison, met with Tawanyane’s family last week.
In a press release Mokae said he knew the deceased since childhood and attended school with her, and that acknowledging her brutal death was extremely hard.
The Galeshewe Family, Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is investigating the case. Anyone with information can call Det. WO Lesego Oliphant on 082-495-4605 or Capt Sebata Tsiu on 082-874-4613.
Information can also be sent anonymously via SMS to 32211 or by using the MySAPS app. All information will be treated with confidence.
