Provincial Commissioner welcomes life imprisonment for rape and murder

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has welcomed the sentence handed down to a 21-year-old Karabo Bahurutshe by the North West High Court in Mahikeng on Friday, 08 October 2021.

Bahurutshe’s conviction came after intensive and thorough investigation conducted following an incident wherein the victim, Gomolemo Legae who was 18-years-old at the time, was stabbed several times and ultimately doused with petrol and set alight by the convict. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, 01 December 2019, at Ramosadi village, outside Mahikeng.

It was reported at the time of the incident that on the said day, Legae was on her way home when a member of the community heard her screaming. Although she was subsequently found bleeding, she managed to inform the members of the community who the suspect was. Legae who suffered third degree burns, later succumbed to her injuries.

The convict who evaded the arrest, was handed over to the police by his brother on Monday afternoon, 02 December 2019. He was then detained and charged with rape and murder. Bahurutshe has been in detention until his sentencing after the police successfully opposed his bail.

Bahurutshe was eventually sentenced as follows:

Rape: 10 years imprisonment;

Murder: Life imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Isaac Ndlovu and prosecution for their cooperation that culminated in the conviction and maximum sentence.

Source: South African Police Service

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