Durban - A North West man who raped then murdered a 82-year-old woman in February 2020 has been handed a double life sentence.
The North West High Court, sitting at the Mogwase Regional Court sentenced 40-year-old Thapelo Abram Nkgweng this week.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman, Henry Mamothame, said Nkgweng entered the woman's home through a window and raped her before strangling her to death and fleeing.
"Her lifeless body was discovered by her gardener and her daughter. Thorough investigations by the police linked the accused through fingerprints and he was arrested on April 13, 2020. He was charged with murder and rape, and he pleaded not guilty to both counts," Mamothame said.
He explained that the matter was subsequently provisionally struck off the roll in October 2021, pending the outcome of the DNA results.
"It was however reinstated later in the year and the DNA results pointed to Nkgweng as the perpetrator," Mamothame said in a statement.
Advocate Nangomso Goloda argued that the accused's actions were inhumane and savage as he knew the woman lived alone.
Judge Andre Peterson imposed two life terms on each count and further declared Nkgweng unfit to possess a firearm.
IOL