A 29-year-old man from Dithakong Village near Kuruman has been sentenced to two life terms for the brutal murder of his 33-year-old half-sister and her 11-year-old son.
Monnapule Mabogoli received an additional 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The High Court sitting in Kathu handed down the sentence on Tuesday 27 January, according to Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe of the police’s Corporate Communication Unit in the Northern Cape.
The sentencing follows an incident on 22 January last year at Dithakong Village. Mabogoli allegedly visited his half-sister’s house demanding money. When she refused, he asked for food and waited whilst she prepared a meal.
He then sent her son to a nearby shop to buy cigarettes. Once the child had left, Mabogoli demanded his stepmother’s bank card. When his half-sister refused, he became violent, dragging her to the bedroom where he fatally stabbed her in the neck.
After the attack, he searched the house, found the bank card, locked the property and fled.
Whilst returning home, Mabogoli realised the child had not yet returned from the shop. He went back and waited. Upon the boy’s return, he killed him in similar fashion before again locking the house and leaving.
Three days later, the woman’s mother visited the house and discovered the bodies in an advanced state of decomposition. Police were immediately alerted.
Identified as prime suspect
Murder and robbery cases were registered at Bothitong Police Station, with Detective Constable Katlego Tom assigned to the investigation. Through intensive inquiries and information received, police identified Mabogoli as the prime suspect.
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He was arrested four days after the incident, found in possession of the stolen bank card, the deceased woman’s mobile phone and blood-stained clothing.
Mabogoli remained in custody from arrest until sentencing. In addition to the two life sentences and 15-year term for robbery with aggravating circumstances, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm and will serve the full term of his sentences.
Acting district commissioner of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended Detective Constable Tom for his dedication and professionalism.
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