Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has welcomed the life sentence handed down by the Maluti Regional Court to a 29-year-old man from Maluti for killing his girlfriend in 2020.
On Friday, 23 October 2020, Khitleli Boitumelo (29) attacked his girlfriend, Makumane Mpherwane (26) and another woman, who were traveling in Mpherwane’s vehicle while on their way to work. Boitumumelo pelted the vehicle with stones, forcing the driver (Mpherwane) to stop. Boitumelo then attacked and stabbed the two occupants. The two victims were then pulled out of the vehicle, and left stranded on the roadside. Unfortunately, Mpherwane succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene. The second victim survived and was taken to hospital.
The unremorseful perpetrator drove off with Mpherwane’s vehicle and in so doing collided into two other vehicles. Police on receiving the complaint immediately launched a manhunt for him and he was arrested in possession of Mpherwane’s vehicle. The case was investigated by Sergeant Nkosinathi Bene, who successfully opposed bail and the accused remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.
On Monday, 16 January 2023, the Maluti Regional Court sentenced Khitleli Boitumelo (29) to life imprisonment for murder,10 years for attempted murder and 5 years for reckless and negligent driving. The sentences will run concurrently.
Lt Gen Mene welcomed the sentences and reiterated that , ’this sentence will surely serve as a deterrent to men who have no respect for women and who think that they can treat women as their commodities. The accused had robbed society of a woman of integrity who as a local school teacher had much to offer to her community. We, the SAPS will remain resolute in ensuring that perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and Femicide will receive the punishment they deserve. I applaud the excellent investigation by Sergeant Bene, who made sure that the maximum sentence was meted out to the accused.’
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