BLOEMFONTEIN - A heavy sentence was imposed on a 32-year-old man who brutally murdered his girlfriend's daughter, aged 11, on 13 August 2020 at Phahameng, Bultfontein.

The girl was sent to her grandmother's place the previous day however, she never arrived back home. The grandmother started to search for the girl child with the assistance of the neighbours. She was found at an open field, with her hands and feet tied up.

The incident was reported to Bultfontein Police and a case of murder was registered and was assigned to Thabong Serious and Violent Crimes. The following team of investigators assisted in the investigation: Lt Colonel Mzivukile Gushana, Warrant Officer Kleinbooy September, Sergeant Keke Sithole and Constable Martin Machesa.

A thorough and intensive investigation was conducted, the team managed to arrest the suspect, who is the boyfriend of the mother of the deceased child, on 23 August 2020.

The suspect, Tshidiso France Moifi was found guilty as charged for kidnapping and murder. The Bloemfontein High Court sentenced Molifi to life imprisonment for murder and five years for kidnapping. Both sentences will run concurrently.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Major General Solly Lesia welcomed the heavy sentence and further applauded this team of investigators who ensured that a thorough investigation was conducted which led to the arrest and this heavy sentence.

Source: South African Police Service