The Provincial Management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of two individuals linked to the horrific murder of 14-year-old Theo Ditheo, who was set alight and later succumbed to his injuries.
The tragic sequence of events began on the afternoon of 01 August 2024. The 41-year-old accused, Elvis Sikepe, along with his two co-accused, Isaac Vywer (20) and Thomas Lebitsa (21), forcefully removed the deceased from his home in Makweta Valley, accusing him of stealing Sikepe’s dagga.
Sikepe drove the teenager to a location where he believed his dagga was hidden but was unable to find it. He then assaulted Theo before the group drove to a shop where Sikepe purchased paraffin. They proceeded to a deserted area in Makweta Valley, where Sikepe poured petrol on the tied-up teenager. He also tied up Isaac Vywer and threatened to burn them both.
After untying Vywer, Sikepe instructed him to set Theo alight, which he did. The trio subsequently tried to extinguish the flames and transported the severely burned victim to the hospital. There, Elvis Sikepe falsely claimed that Theo had attempted to commit suicide.
Theo Ditheo later succumbed to his injuries. A case of kidnapping and murder was registered, leading to the subsequent arrest of all three accused.
On 25 August 2025, the Northern Cape High Court delivered its verdict. Accused 1, Elvis Sikepe, was convicted and sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for murder and an additional six years for kidnapping. Accused 2, Isaac Vywer, was found not guilty. Accused 3, Thomas Lebitsa, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for murder.
