More witnesses are yet to be called to the Betty Ketane murder trial which is currently being heard at the Palm Ridge Court.
According to the Yeoville SAPS communications officer, Constable Thabo Malatji, the case started in June 2012 when a letter of confession was discovered by the owners of a house in Kenilworth, South of Johannesburg.
“Some months after buying the house, the family was doing routine renovations when they discovered a pile of papers under a carpet. One of the letters began with the words; “If you are reading this, then I am dead,” said Const Malatji.
He said the letter stated the first attempt on Ketana’s life failed. She was hospitalised with brain damage and trauma.
“It was also explained how Ketana was kidnapped from the hospital with the help of two policemen’s brothers, and eventually killed. The letter also explained how three other people were kidnapped and tortured in the process,” said Cost Malatji.
He said the letter stated names, telephone numbers, ID numbers, addresses and how to find evidence about the crime.
“The letter gives details about secret recordings and torture,” he said.
Const Malatji said a team of detectives, including those from the Yeovile SAPS, followed the case.
He added that a month later, six people, including the author of the letter were arrested.
This includes the two policemen’s brothers.
Constable Malatji said the body of Ketane is yet to be found.
“The owners of the house in Kenilworth revealed that Ketane’s body was buried on the property, but exhumed and buried somewhere else. The suspects named in the letter pointed out where the body was reburied. Some bones, believed to be hers, were discovered in a shallow grave and will be sent to Bosnia for DNA testing,” he said.
He added that the suspects in the case include police and former police officers from different stations, residents and people in the hospitality industry.
Const Malatji said more arrests are imminent.
