Rape and murder of Courtney Pieters (3), man sentenced to 2 life terms

South African Police Service

Rape and murder of Courtney Pieters (3), man sentenced to 2 life terms
Rape and murder of Courtney Pieters (3), man sentenced to 2 life terms

The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula has welcomed the two life sentences handed down to Mortimer Saunders at the Cape High Court on 11 December 2018, for the rape and murder of Courtney Pieters.

The three year old girl from Elsies River was reported missing and her body was discovered after nine days in May 2017. A thorough investigation by the detectives led to the arrest of the suspect on 14 May 2017.

“Crimes against children remain a top priority for the SAPS and perpetrators of such crimes will not escape the long arm of the law,” says Lt Gen Jula.

The sentence comes on the back of 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign that saw heightened awareness on crimes against women and children.

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SOURCESouth African Police Service