28 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN WHO MURDERED HIS GIRLFRIEND

Zeerust, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a 28-year direct imprisonment sentence against 36-year-old Ofentse Kotsedi for the murder of his girlfriend.

Kotsedi was convicted by the Zeerust Regional Court of murder, read with Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997.

The court heard that on 29 June 2024, Kotsedi visited the deceased at her home, where she was preparing dinner in the presence of her two children. He requested money from her to buy alcohol and became enraged when she informed him that she had no money.

In a violent attack witnessed by one of the children, Kotsedi brutally assaulted the deceased, inflicting fatal injuries.

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Kagiso Modibedi argued that the court should impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. While the court found that substantial and compelling circumstances justified a deviation from the prescribed sentence, it nevertheless imposed a lengthy sentence of 28 years’ direct imprisonment.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court declared Kotsedi unfit to possess a firearm and directed that the victim’s family be consulted regarding any future consideration of parole.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West Division welcomed the sentence, noting that it sends a strong message that gender-based violence and domestic violence will not be tolerated.

The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting violent crimes committed within domestic settings and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Through these efforts, the NPA continues to advance justice and protect vulnerable members of society, particularly women and children.

Issued by:

Lindiwe Mabasa

NPA Communication Officer