Man gets life sentence plus 10 for abducting and burning NWU student

41-year-old Tinyiko Baloyi was convicted and handed sentence of life imprisonment and a further ten years jail term High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Johannesburg.

Baloyi was charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of murder for his role in the abduction and fatal burning of a 21-year-old North-West University (NWU) student.

The court heard that on May 27, 2023, Baloyi kidnapped Karabo Maluleke from the NWU, Potchefstroom campus after suspecting that she was in another relationship. He held her captive for three days at a Guest House in Roodepoort, during which time her family and friends tried to contact her. When she was unreachable, they reported her missing. Ultimately, on May 30 2023, Baloyi drove Maluleke to an open field in Doornkop where he tied both her hands and feet, doused her with petrol and burned her to death.

Her charred body was discovered five days later in the field.

Warrant Officer Rabed Zwana, traced the accused’s movements, discovering he had rented a car to fetch Maluleke from Potchefstroom to the guesthouse. After killing her, he returned the vehicle to the rental company. In his attempt to skip town, he exchanged his phone for money at a taxi rank before fleeing to his home in Giyani, where he was eventually apprehended.

Baloyi pleaded guilty and testified in mitigation of sentence, citing that he cooperated with the law. He also said that he contributed to Maluleke’s well-being, including tuition fee payments and the provision of a laptop. He further offered an apology to the family.

Khensane Maluleke, the mother of the deceased, made an impact statement and described the harrowing circumstances surrounding her daughter’s brutal murder. She testified that the tragic loss had a profound impact on their entire family. She also said that she eagerly anticipated her daughter’s academic success which would transform their family’s circumstances and improve their lives.

State Advocate Leswikane Mashabela, stated that the accused’s heinous crimes warranted the severest sentence, as he had kidnapped and held her captive for three days, only to brutalise and murder her ultimately.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the NPA continues to prosecute gender-based violence cases with vigour as the safety and well-being of our communities remain paramount.