GRAAFF-REINET – Morne Williams (34) of Circledrive, Santaville, Graaff-Reinet, was convicted and sentenced in Graaff-Reinet High Court for housebreaking with intent to rape, rape and murder of 63-year-old Julia Lucas.

A murder case was opened on Sunday, 03 November 2019 at about 05:27 after the body of the deceased was found lying in a yard of the residence in Circledrive, Santaville, Graaff-reinet, covered with a blanket. It appeared she was strangled and the door to the kitchen of house was forced open. It was clear that a struggle occurred inside the house.

Investigation officer, Detective Warrant Officer Leon Weitz immediately started with the investigation and gather evidence on the murder scene.

During the investigation more evidence was recovered.

After thorough investigation the suspect 34-year-old Mornè Williams was arrested on Sunday, 03 November 2019 and he made his first court appearance on Monday, 04 November 2019 before Magistrates Court, Graaff-Reinet.

On Wednesday, 22 September 2021, the trial was concluded and Mornè Williams was found guilty on housebreaking with the intent to rape, rape and murder.

The accused was sentenced on 23 September 2021, to five years imprisonment for housebreaking with the intent to rape, life imprisonment for rape and Life imprisonment for murder.

The accused remained in prison for the whole duration of the investigation.

Graaff-Reinet Detective Commander, Colonel Mpanza commended Detective Warrant Officer Leon Weitz for the thorough investigation and for the Conviction which he had secured.

Source: South African Police Service