Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, has commended all the members involved for their dedication and vigilance which led to the arrest, conviction and 20-years imprisonment which was imposed on Petrus September (34) in the Swellendam High court on Thursday, 26 August 2021.
This harsh sentence should act as a deterrent to other potential criminals to rather obey the Laws of our country in being citizens of exemplary stature. This conviction also enhances and demonstrates the trust that the public have in our judicial system.
Initial investigation reveals that on Saturday, 18 July 2020, the accused persuaded the deceased, Lizel Booysen, a 13-year-old and a friend to accompany him to the refuse site in Barrydale where he hid his liquor.
When they reached the site, he ordered the friend (a teenage girl) to remain behind and disappeared with the other girl. Later, the one who remained behind, heard a scream from where they disappeared. She suspected something awful might have happened and ran to alert her family in Smittville, Barrydale.
A search ensued, comprising SAPS and community members.
When they eventually found the suspect, he was interrogated which later led to the discovery of the body of the deceased that was concealed under debris in a bushy area. She had already succumbed to multiple stab wounds that was inflicted all over her body. The accused was subsequently charged with Murder.
His trial was scheduled and heard in the Swellendam High Court from 16-25 August 2021 with sentencing reserved for Thursday, 26 August when he was sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment.
Western Cape Provincial Management welcomed this stern sentence meted against the perpetrator. General Patekile warned that they will experience the full might of the Law should they continue with their criminal behaviour. The parents of the deceased has also express their gratitude towards SAPS and specifically the investigation team who brought the suspect to book.
