Poppie’s mother and stepfather sentenced to life imprisonment

South African Police Service

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane welcomed life imprisonment sentences handed down today, 24 May 2018, by North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to Kobus Koekemoer (45) and his wife Louisa Koekemoer (47), for murder.

The sentence came after the Kobus’ apprehension in October 2016 for murder and child abuse of his 4 year old step daughter, Poppie Van Der Merwe. It was reported at the time of the incident that the accused murdered his step daughter by assaulting her several times at their home in Mamogaleskraal near Brits.

The child was taken to hospital where she was declared dead on arrival.

The accused’s wife, Louisa was arrested on 15 December 2016 after the court ordered the police to arrest and charge her as an accomplice to murder. The pair were supposed to be sentenced on 28 February 2018 but the case was postponed due to Kobus Koekemoer ill health.

The court sentenced the accused as follows:

Count one: murder: life imprisonment
Count two: child abuse: ten years imprisonment
Count three: Assault GBH: ten year imprisonment

The court also declared both accused unsuitable to work with children in terms of Section (120) of the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005).

Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended Brits Detectives Investigating Team comprising of Sergeant Mpho Matome, Sergeant Patrick Radebe and Sergeant Lucas Putu and other role players for a sterling job and ensuring that the culprits get maximum sentences.

She said that the sentence will serve as a deterrence to potential criminals including those who commit crimes against women and children.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service