LIMPOPO – The man responsible for the brutal rape and murder of a young woman in 2014 was sentenced to life in prison by the Polokwane High Court yesterday (Wednesday).
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Col Ronel Otto reports: “The victim, Kgomotso Raolane of Rhelela village, was walking home with two friends on 24 January 2014 when they were overpowered by Ernest Malatji (4o) who threatened them with a panga.”
“Her friends succeeded in running away but the victim was dragged into the bushes, her mouth bound with a cloth, before the Malatji raped and killed her. The suspect also cut off the victims left hand before leaving the scene. Her body was found by a passer-by the next day.”
A specialised task team was appointed to investigate the murder and the breakthrough came only a few weeks later when the suspect was arrested in Bolobedu. He was eventually linked to the rape and murder through DNA testing adds Otto.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba, praised the investigating team for their perseverance and dedication and stressed that this indicates that the Police will never stop in their efforts to bring callous murderers and rapists to book.
