By OBAKENG MAJE

A man has been sentenced to double life imprisonment by the North West High Court in Mmabatho on Tuesday for killing his ex-girlfriend (29) and her mother. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, in 2018, Boitshoko Abednigo Swanepoel (36) went to his then ex-girlfriend’s house at Lonely Park, outside Mahikeng to speak with her regarding a court interdict issued against him, but an argument ensued between him and his ex-girlfriend’s mother (52).

Funani further said, Swanepoel then took out a firearm and shot the ex-girlfriend, the mother, and their daughter.

“Upon hearing the gun sound, the ex-girlfriend’s brother went to check at the house, but Swanepoel also shot at him. The daughter (2) was ferried to Baragwaneth Hospital in Johannesburg with serious injuries.

After the shooting incident, Swanepoel fled the scene and the police searched for him. He was arrested on 28 September 2018 at Setlagole village, outside Mahikeng. Swanepoel has been behind bars ever since his arrest,” she said.

Funani added that Swanepoel was also sentenced to a further 20 years imprisonment for two counts of attempted murder. She said this comes after he attempted to kill his daughter and his ex-girlfriend’s brother.

“The court ordered that all sentences imposed run concurrently with the two life imprisonment. Swanepoel was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” said Funani.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, and the Director for Public Prosecution, Advocate (Dr) Rachel Makhari welcomed the sentence. Kwena applauded the Mahikeng Flying Squad Unit, Detective Unit, especially the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Kebaabetswe Chabaemang, and the business watch who assisted the police in effecting the arrest.

“We would also like to laud the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutor, Advocate Goloda for his cooperation with other role players for the meticulous handling of the matter and subsequent securing of the conviction,” he said.

Meanwhile, Makhari expressed her gratitude for the securing of the conviction, which she attributed to collaborations of the South African Police Service (SAPS), NPA, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). She said the sentence will definitely send a clear message that crime, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV), will not be tolerated. taungdailynews@gmail.com