The Bloemfontein High Court sentenced Khathatso Selane, 32, of Lonia Farm in the Ficksburg district, to 22 years of direct imprisonment for the femicide of Makeiso Motsamai, 36. The court also declared Selane unfit to possess a firearm.
On Sunday, 5 October 2025, at approximately 11:20, Ficksburg police responded to a murder complaint at Ionia Farm in the Ficksburg district. Upon arrival, SAPS members found Motsamai’s body inside her shack with multiple injuries to her head and body. Emergency Medical Services personnel declared her dead at the scene.
Selane and Motsamai were in a relationship. They had been drinking together on the farm before returning to their shack. While Selane slept, Motsamai allegedly left the shack and went to a friend. Selane was later informed that his partner had been unfaithful. He then fetched her and brought her back home, where he assaulted her repeatedly with a steel pick, inflicting serious injuries across her body.
Selane allegedly left her unconscious and went to buy more alcohol. Upon his return, he attempted to wake her and noticed she was no longer responding. Neighbors summoned an ambulance and the police. Motsamai was declared dead at the scene.
Selane was arrested and initially charged with murder. The charge was later amended to femicide during court proceedings.
