| 2024/09/15 |
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Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM – The Bafokeng Regional Court in Tlhabane sentenced Buti Solomon Phege (42) to 12 and eight years’ direct imprisonment on Friday, 13 September 2024, for murder and rape. The sentences will not run concurrently. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). It was reported that Ikgopoleng Motshabi and woman left an entertainment place at Lethabong village outside Rustenburg in the early hours of Sunday morning, 16 July 2017, to go home. The convict who earlier attempted to propose love to Motshabi’s companion, followed the pair. They were at the woman’s place when the accused stabbed Motshabi multiple times all over his body. He then forcefully took the woman to his place where he threatened her with a knife and raped her. Motshabi was certified dead at the scene. Police were alerted about the incidents and separate cases of murder and rape were registered. Phege handed himself in to the police after the incident and has been in custody since then. Upon passing the sentence, the court order that the accused should not be released with parole without the permission of the deceased’s siblings and the rape victim. The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari commended the Investigating Officer, D/Constable Molefe Kgabo, the Public Prosecutor, Advocate Zola Mpayipheli and other role players, for their patience and cooperation that resulted in securing of the conviction, which they said will without doubt send a clear message that those who commit serious and violent crimes will not be spared. Ends
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