Mahikeng police commended for securing convictions

The judgement was handed down in the Mahikeng High Court on Friday, 18 October 2013.

The first accused, Penny Tatushe, was ordered to serve 22 years while the three other accused, Klaas Molefe - Ivy Molefe's husband, Elizabeth Mosweu - Klaas Molefe's mistress and the hitman, Thabo Thamaga all received life imprisonments.

"I want to commend the contribution of the police, through good investigative work because on most instances, police are often blamed by some members of the public when criminals walk free or receive lighter sentences.

"This sentence augurs very well for the police because it shows that through dedication and relentless pursuit of the case, resulted in these life sentences. We congratulate and urge them to continue to do more," said Mthethwa in a statement on Saturday.

Molefe's body was found in a decomposed state earlier last year. It was alleged that the she went to work as usual on 14 March 2012 and never returned home. The following day her husband, Klaas Molefe, reported her missing at Mmabatho Police Station.

The police, assisted by the local community began with a search, but Molefe never participated. He also never attended prayer sessions organised by community members. He further accused police of not doing enough to find his missing wife.

According to police, despite the false accusations, police officers continued with their investigation which pointed out that Molefe was actually an accomplice and mastermind to the planned murder.

All four accused were eventually traced, arrested and charged with kidnapping, murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

"We recognise that to win the war against crime it is essential that government join hands with communities in forming concrete partnerships, strengthened by a common goal of a safe country.

"We therefore urge members of society to become part of our crusade aimed at protecting particularly women, children and the elderly against heartless criminals," said the minister.

North West Premier Thandi Modise has also welcomed the stiff jail sentences, calling them a deterrent to perpetrators of gender based violence.

"The sentences ... should sent a stern message to men not to opt for violence if love is lost in their relationships but to seek professional help in order to assist them to respectfully part ways with their partners in an amicable manner if the situation is beyond reconciliation," said Modise.