By REGINALD KANYANE
A 30-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment by the Vryburg Regional Court for murder. On 10 September 2021, Lalelani Lovungo viciously assaulted Karabo Makolonkwane (17) with fists and kicked her until she lost consciousness in Coldridge Township near Vryburg.
North West police spokesperson in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The court heard evidence that Lovungo and the Makolonkwane, who were from a tavern in Monoto-Mosetlha Informal Settlement in Vryburg, were previously in a relationship.
“The accused suddenly started assaulting the victim and she left the tavern to go to her aunt’s home. However, she was followed by the accused, who continued to assault her along the way. The members of the community, who witnessed the atrocity, tried to stop him with no success.”
Van Rooyen further said the vicious assault continued as the due reached the home of the victim’s aunt. She added that Makolonkwane’s aunt tried to intervene, but Lovungo overpowered her.
“The Emergency Medical Response Service (EMRS) were called and declared Makolonkwane dead on the scene. A case of murder was reported at Vryburg Police Station and the accused was arrested the same evening with the assistance of the victim’s aunt and community members.
“On Wednesday, 29 September 2021 the investigating officer, Sergeant Lebone Maine, successfully opposed bail and Lovungo, who remained in custody until the date of his sentencing,” she said.
Lovungo was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) and his name will be entered into the National Child Protection Register to be declared unfit to work with children.
The Guardian 