Two women were raped and brutally murdered; the third woman’s murder investigation led the investigator to the accused. The accused was sentenced to four life sentences for triple murder and three counts of rape.
On 4 February 2018 at about 07:55, the half-naked bodies of two women, aged 36 and 39, were found abandoned in garbage near a cemetery in Thubelisha, Thabong.
They sustained multiple injuries.
The murder and rape cases were assigned for further investigation to Detective Warrant Officer Gerrie Nel of the Thabong Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.
On 26 November 2018 a 44-year old woman registered a case of attempted murder and assault.
The suspect was found not guilty and discharged on 25 March 2019 by the Welkom Magistrate’s Court.
On 16 April 2019 at 08:00, her body was found murdered in the same modus operandi as the incidents in February 2018. Her body was dumped in a garbage near the cemetery, Thubelisha Thabong.
These dockets were also assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Nel, who conducted a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of the accused, Benedict Tshediso Rantsheuoa (37) in November 2020.
He was found guilty as charged by the Virginia High Court and on 15 June 2023 the accused, Benedict Tshediso Rantsheuoa was sentenced as follows:
Four life sentences for triple murders of women and three counts of rape.
The Acting District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa, Brigadier Mzondi Mojafi, applauded Detective Warrant Officer Gerrie Nel for a thorough investigation and dedication to ensuring that the accused, declared by the court to be a serial killer, be sentenced so heavily that he must not come back to society. “We hope this will send a strong message to people abusing women,” said Brigadier Mojafi.
