By AGISANANG SCUFF
10 September 2026 – A man (53) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder of his former girlfriend (63) in Kathu, near Kuruman. The incident was reported to the police in Kathu on 19 January 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said this comes after the victim, Eva Witbooi opened a case of attempted murder against her former boyfriend, Joseph Moeti. Litabe alleged that at approximately 9:40am, the victim was walking in the street with a friend when the accused suddenly emerged from a yard and approached her, while armed with a knife.
“The victim noticed that the accused was armed and attempted to flee. He pursued her and caught up with her, stabbing her on the shoulder and back. Witbooi sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was subsequently transported to a hospital in Kuruman for medical treatment.
“The case was assigned to the Detective Constable Goitsemang Violet Matlhole of the Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, who conducted a comprehensive investigation that ultimately led to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the accused,” he said.
Litabe further said Moeti appeared in the Kathu Regional Court on several occasions, while remaining in custody. He added that on 5 September 2026, the court found him guilty of attempted murder and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.
“Five years of the sentence were suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of assault during the period of suspension. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Moeti. Matlhole was commended by the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Management for her diligent and thorough investigative work, which contributed to securing justice for the victim,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and commended Matlhole for her professional and dedicated investigative work.
“This conviction demonstrates the importance of thorough investigations in ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable for their actions. We commend Matlhole for her commitment to the investigation and for helping to secure justice for the victim.
“The SAPS in the Northern Cape remains committed to combating gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, while providing victims with the necessary protection and support,” he said.
Baloyi said these efforts are aligned with the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places emphasis on professional policing, accountability, effective service delivery and the safety and security of all communities.
The Guardian 