Justice was served on Friday, July 27, to Boetietjie Buswa(31) when he was sentenced to two life terms after he set his ex-girlfriend’s house on fire and leaving two dead, in October 2021.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, on October 17, 2021 at about 00:22, Buswa went to his ex-girlfriend’s house in Blikkiesdorp in Kamesh and set the house alight while they were sleeping.
She said six people were in the house at the time.
“Some managed to escape when they broke down the door. Sadly, when Mathumzi Elvis Tee (37) went back into the house to rescue, Azabeluncedo Madikana(3), they were engulfed by the flames and burned to death,” said Naidu.
She said the accused was arrested shortly after the incident by SAPS Kabega Park.
Naidu said he remained in custody until the duration of his trial, and on Friday, July 27, he was found guilty and sentenced in the Gqeberha’s High court.
“He was sentenced to two life imprisonment for murder, 10 years of imprisonment for four counts of attempted murder, 8 years for arson, and five years for contravention of a protection order. The attempted murder, arson and contravention of a protection order will run concurrent with the two life sentences,” she added.
Naidu said domestic violence is a dark reality that persists behind closed doors, leaving many individuals, especially women and children trapped in a cycle of fear, pain and despair.
“Domestic violence has a devastating impact that leaves deep scars on its victims, affecting their physical and mental well-being, and often leading to long term trauma,” said Naidu.
Nelson Mandela District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata commended the investigating officer, D/Sgt Benjamin Van Wyk and the prosecuting authority for ensuring that perpetrators of domestic violence are handed down deserving sentences.
“Domestic violence is not a private matter; it is a grave violation of human rights.
“There is no justification for violence within the home and we must challenge the harmful beliefs that condone such behaviour. Sentences such as this, sends out a clear warning that the vulnerable will be protected as we strive to create a community where domestic violence becomes a thing of the past,” said Ncata.
