By OBAKENG MAJE
28 January 2026- A man (29) from Dithakong village, near Kuruman has been sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for the brutal murders of his half-sister (33) and her son (11). The accused was further sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the sentencing was handed down by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kathu on 27 January 2026. Litabe said the tragic incident occurred at Dithakong village on 22 January 2025.
“It is alleged that the accused went to the deceased’s residence to demand money. When his request was refused, he asked for food and waited while the deceased prepared a meal. While waiting, the accused sent the deceased’s son to a nearby shop to buy cigarettes.
“Once the child had left, the accused demanded that the deceased give him a bank card that belonged to his stepmother. When she refused, he became violent, dragged her to the bedroom and fatally stabbed her in the neck. After the attack, he searched the house, found the bank card, locked the house, and fled the scene,” he said.
Litabe further said while on his way home, the accused realised that the child had not yet returned from the shop. He added that the accused went back to the house and waited.
“Upon the child’s return, the accused killed him in a similar manner. He then locked the house and left the scene again. Three days later, the mother of the deceased visited the residence and discovered the bodies inside the house in an advanced state of decomposition. The police were immediately alerted.
“Cases of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances were registered at Bothitong Police Station and the matter was assigned to Detective Constable Katlego Tom. Through intensive investigations and information received, police identified the accused as the prime suspect,” said Litabe.
He said the accused was arrested four days after the incident and was found in possession of the bank card he took from the deceased, her cell phone and blood-stained clothing. Litabe said the accused remained in custody until sentencing.
“In addition to the two life sentences, the accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and was declared unfit to possess a firearm. He will serve the full term of the sentences imposed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended Detective Constable Tom for his dedication and professionalism. Baloyi congratulated Tom for the outstanding work and for ensuring that justice is served for the innocent lives that were taken in such a brutal manner.
The Guardian 