Potchefstroom – The North West High court has handed down life sentences for two men for the murder of a woman on a farm in Hartbeesfontein.
Police spokesperson Captain Paul Ramaloko said Papiki Motabogi (27) and Maiuane Paulino Romao (44) were sentenced for the murder of 49-year-old Ronel Van Ek who was killed in front of her farm at Hartbeesfontein in August 2012.
According to police Van Ek was opening her gate when she was approached by the two accused who stole her hand bag with an undisclosed amount of money, two cellphones and a hand gun before killing her.
Motabogi and Romao had attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle but the police found the vehicle abandoned along the road.
Ramaloko said: “On 19 August 2014, Motabogi was arrested at Wolmaransstad for another case that he committed and police managed to link him to the Hartbeesfontein farm murder.
“The second accused, Ramao, a Mozambiquan national, fled to Gauteng after the murder of Ronel. He was arrested on 15 December 2014. They were both charged with murder and robbery.”
Motabogi was given life sentence for murder and 15 years for robbery. Romao was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for robbery, four years for possession of a firearm and a year for possession of ammunition.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Tsumane welcomed the sentencing, saying: “We have no doubt that the sentence will send a clear message that police will deal effectively with those who commit crime,”
“We commend all members who dedicated their time to ensure that the sentenced is secured against the merciless accused. Together with other role players, we will continue to ensure that those who transgress the law are dealt with accordingly.”
African News Agency
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