By REGINALD KANYANE

31 October 2025- The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape said it continues to appeal to members of the public to report incidents of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and to support victims in coming forward. The police said these crimes often occur behind closed doors and public cooperation remains critical in preventing domestic violence-related murders.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 1 December 2024, the police in Colesberg responded to a murder scene in Masiphakame, Kuyasa, where the lifeless body of a woman was discovered inside a house. Shemane said the preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had sustained burn wounds.

“Information received by the police led to the swift tracing and arrest of the suspect, identified as the deceased’s boyfriend, who had fled the scene after committing the crime. The accused was arrested on the same day and made several court appearances until the case was finalised.

“On 28 October 2025, the Colesberg Regional Court found Thembalethu Bok (28) guilty of the murder of Sinesipho Makhaza (18). Bok was convicted and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts between Detective Warrant Officer Thabiseng Vokonqo of Kuyasa and state prosecutor, Philisiwe Khosa, for their dedication and commitment in ensuring justice for the victim and her family.

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