Chevonne Rusch (2) murder: Killers sentenced to life in prison
Rochelle Botha, the toddler’s mother and murderer, applied to appeal after she was sentenced today.
After nearly two years of legal proceedings, the Johannesburg High Court today sentenced Stefan van Niekerk and Rochelle Botha to life imprisonment and 25 years behind bars respectively for the murder of Chevonne Rusch (2).
Botha, who is Chevonne’s mother, applied to appeal, which is scheduled to be heard on May 22.
The sentencing comes after a protracted legal battle, during which Botha and Van Niekerk faced a slew of charges. These included murder, rape of another minor child, attempted murder, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect.
The severity of the crimes shocked the community and prompted widespread outrage.
The case dates back to May 2022 when Chevonne was taken to the Wannenburg Clinic in Primrose, where medical staff found severe injuries, including bruises, bleeding, and head trauma. Despite efforts to save her, Chevonne died.
Her death sparked a homicide investigation.
Originally heard in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court, the case was transferred to the Johannesburg High Court. A pathologist testified to the extent of Chevonne’s injuries, revealing a harrowing picture of abuse and neglect.
Juanita du Preez, a spokesperson for Action Society, expressed both relief at the sentencing and sorrow for Chevonne’s tragic fate. “Nothing will ever bring little Chevonne back, nor can anything take away the pain and suffering she endured during her short life.”
Watch Via DSTV 147 at 20:30 tonight as the former assistant editor of Bedfordview Edenvale News and Germiston City News, Charmaine Slater, speaks to Huisgenoot Ware Lewensdramas as the journalist who first broke the story of Chevonne’s murder.
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