Teboho Setena
The Free State police has welcomed the sentencing of Klaas Banyane (45) to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for the savage murder of his lover in June last year. The murder is related to the gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) that is widespread in South Africa.
Banyane had doused the victim with petrol and then set her alight. She died days later.
The sentencing of the murder accused was the culmination of an investigation that was conducted by Sgt Itumeleng Mara, who traced Banyane to Verkeerdevlei. The officer uncovered compelling evidence, which was presented in the court against the culprit.
According to Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the police, it is this that led to successful prosecution during the trial held in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court. Botshabelo woman doused in petrol and set on fire, dies
Banyane, sentenced on 5 June, was found guilty by the court of ruthlessly murdering his lover.
“The victim succumbed to burn injuries at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein on 24 June,” stated Kareli.
He confirmed that the horrific incident had occurred on 17 June at the couple’s residence in Section A, Botshabelo.
Kareli said after the victim had died, the initial charge of attempted murder was changed to murder.
“Following the incident, Banyane fled the scene after being confronted by community patrollers.
“The investigating officer, Mara, tirelessly followed up on his whereabouts, leading to his arrest in Verkeerdevlei,” said Kareli.
■ In May 2023, a woman was killed in a similar fashion, purportedly by her husband: doused with petrol and set ablaze in Botshabelo.
This victim, Dolly Maitumeleng Lebetsa, also died at the Pelonomi Hospital.
This was two months after enduring a previous ruthless attack, allegedly carried out by her spouse, Dikgang Lebetsa.
The police reported that before Dolly had died, she managed to provide details indicating that the reason for her savage attack was conflict over transport money.
The police reported that the husband had allegedly accused the deceased of stealing money he had kept for transport.
It is believed that Lebetsa then doused her with petrol and set her alight at their place of residence in Section A, Botshabelo.
In pursuit of justice, Motshidisi Koloi, former MEC for Social Development, has taken up the matter with the justice system.
This effort involves the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
