By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 April 2025- On 5 June 2020, at approximately 6pm, a community member reported a murder to the police in Pampierstad following the discovery of a female body in an open veld outside the town, near Pampierstad. The victim was later identified as 27-year-old Phindiswa Mdityelwa.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said at the time, the identity of the suspect was unknown. Shemane said on 13 March 2023, a 29-year-old man, Refilwe Diseko, voluntarily presented himself at the police station and admitted to robbing and killing Mdityelwa, stating he used a knife in the commission of the crime.

“The accused was arrested and subsequently appeared before a magistrate, where he made a formal confession under oath. Bail was successfully opposed throughout the court proceedings until conviction and sentencing.

“On 23 April 2025, the Taung Regional Court found Refilwe Diseko guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for robbery and twenty years for murder,” he said.

Shemane further said the sentences will run consecutively, resulting in an effective 30-year term of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mogomotsi Galodikwe, for his dedication and commitment in ensuring justice was served. Ngubelanga assured the community that the SAPS remains steadfast in its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and will not turn a blind eye to violent crimes.

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