On Wednesday, 20 June 2018, Joseph Matebesi(26),was sentenced by the Northern Cape High Court to 18 years imprisonment after being convicted of murder and aiding another person to commit an act of crime. He was also facing a charge of robbery but it was withdrawn by the state.
The investigation continued for almost 11 months when Matebesi eventually pleaded guilty to the charges.
The incident took place on 16 July 2017 in Hartswater when two sisters were walking from a tavern back to their home when they were followed by the accused and a friend. Both were armed with knives. The accused accosted the two ladies and dragged them in different directions.
The deceased refused to go with the accused to the tavern, he dragged her by the arm and the deceased screamed for help. The group of people approached them, the accused panicked and stabbed the female victim. The stabbed victim, known as Kesholohetse Nogaganyane (44) tried to run away but fell and succumbed to her injuries.
Matebesi then ran to his friend and aided him by attempting to rape the friend of the deceased. The lady wrestled with them and managed to run away. The case of attempted rape and robbery against the other accused will be continuing in the Hartswater Regional Court.
SAPS applaud the Investigation Officer, Constable Thabiso Mosalanyane for a job well done that brought a well investigated case before Court. The sentence will definitely serve as stern warning to others who may have thoughts of committing similar offences.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
