STATE – The girlfriend of the accused fetched the learner from school and demanded a ransom of R50 000 from her family.

On 21 June 2021 a 44-year-old girlfriend of the accused fetched the child from her school and the grandmother was phoned to pay a ransom of R50 000. The instruction was that the Police must not be informed about this arrangement. A case of kidnapping was registered and a thorough investigation was conducted by Crime Intelligence, Lejweleputswa District FCS, Welkom K9 Unit, Hostage Negotiator, Thabong Serious and Violent Crimes Unit to search and follow every leads to trace the perpetrators.

The lifeless body of an eight 8-year-old girl who was kidnapped was later found on 24 June 2021 at about 15:00 at an open field between Riebeeckstad and Thabong. A case of Kidnapping, Extortion, Rape and Murder was then registered.

After a thorough investigation the two suspects were arrested and the first accused was found guilty as charged. The accused Motsika Stompie Rapuleng (46) was sentenced by Welkom High Court today 06 May 2022 as follows:

Count 1. Kidnapping: Eight years in jail

Count 2. Extortion: 5 years in jail

Count 3. Rape: Life in jail

Count 4. Murder: Life in jail with no leave to appeal.

The 44-year-old girlfriend’s case will still continue in the Welkom High Court.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane praised the team for all the efforts in conducting thorough investigation which led to the arrests of these two killers of an 8-year-old innocent soul. She further welcomed the heavy sentence imposed on the rapist and murderer as it will send a clear message to other criminals.

Source: South African Police Service