Justice served: Northern Cape man receives life sentences for the murder of his half-sister and her child

A 29-YEAR-OLD man from Dithakong Village near Kuruman has been sentenced to two life terms for the murders of his half-sister and her 11-year-old son.

The High Court, sitting in Kathu, handed down the sentence on Tuesday, 27 January. The man was also sentenced to an additional 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The murders took place on Saturday, 22 January last year, at Dithakong Village. According to the evidence before court, the accused went to his half-sister’s home to demand money. When she refused, he asked for food and waited while she prepared a meal.

While waiting inside the house, the accused sent the woman’s 11-year-old son to a nearby shop to buy cigarettes. After the child left, he demanded that his half-sister hand over a bank card belonging to his stepmother.

When she refused, the accused became violent. He dragged her to a bedroom and fatally stabbed her in the neck.

After killing her, he searched the house, found the bank card, locked the residence and fled the scene. While making his way home, the accused realised that the child had not yet returned from the shop.

He then went back to the house and waited. When the boy returned, the accused killed him in a similar manner.

Three days later, the victims’ mother went to the house and discovered both bodies inside. They were already in an advanced state of decomposition. Police were immediately alerted.

The accused was arrested four days after the murders. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of the bank card taken from the deceased, her cellphone, and clothing stained with blood.

Following sentencing, Acting District Commissioner of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, praised the investigating officer for his role in the case.

“Congratulations to Detective Constable Tom for the outstanding work and for ensuring that justice is served for the innocent lives that were taken in such a brutal manner,” said Brigadier Baloyi.