The Free State High Court, sitting in Kroonstad, convicted and sentenced 36-year-old Paseka Samuel Nhlapo to life imprisonment on 7 May 2026 for the murder of 24-year-old Liesbeth Mphanya.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 9 June 2024, at approximately 22:11. Police received a complaint from the owner of De Hoek Farm, after one of his employees requested assistance and alleged that his girlfriend might have died from smoke inhalation.
The farm owner proceeded to the employee’s room, where he found the victim lying unclothed on top of the bed. He immediately contacted the police. Upon arriving at the scene, officers conducted preliminary investigations and suspected that the crime scene had been tampered with.
An inquest docket was initially opened. However, following the post-mortem examination results, which revealed death by strangulation, a murder case was registered.
The case was assigned to Investigating Officer Constable Tyrick Rooskrans, who conducted an intensive investigation under the guidance of Group Commander Sergeant Morabe. The investigative work ensured a strong case was presented before the court. Upon completion of the investigation, the matter was transferred from the Regional Court to the High Court for trial.
After considering all evidence, the court found Nhlapo guilty of murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
