Barkly West man gets 15 years for killing partner with tower speaker

A BARKLY West man has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars after a brutal assault on his partner led to her death and sparked a murder investigation that ended with justice for her grieving family.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the sentencing of 34-year-old Elvis Modisaotsile Koopman in the Barkly West Regional Court marks the end of a harrowing case that began in November 2022, when 24-year-old Rethabile Molusi was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries.

Koopman had struck her in the head with a speaker tower during a violent altercation, rendering her unconscious. Emergency services initially transported her to a local hospital before she was transferred to Kimberley’s Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital due to the seriousness of her condition.

Koopman tried to cover up his involvement by claiming she had been injured in a fight with another woman. Tragically, Molusi succumbed to her injuries and was declared dead on November 9, 2022.

Koopman’s attempt to mislead medical personnel and the authorities quickly unravelled as detectives launched an intensive investigation. 

The police arrested Koopman soon after and successfully opposed his release on bail. He remained in custody throughout the trial, which concluded with a murder conviction and a 15-year sentence of direct imprisonment.

Acting provincial commissioner Major-General Luntu Ngubelanga hailed the outcome as a victory in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide, praising Sergeant Kgositsile Taolo of the Barkly West Detectives for the thorough investigative work that ensured the truth was uncovered and accountability achieved.