The Middelburg High Court has convicted and sentenced Joseph Thabang Selepe (30) to four life terms for two counts of murder and two counts of rape committed in Kwaggafontein, KwaMhlanga.
These heinous crimes occurred between March 2020 and May 4, 2021.
Selepe’s modus operandi involved accosting his victims, taking them to secluded areas, sexually assaulting them, and then strangling them to death.
The first victim, Pauline Sangweni, lived just a street away from Selepe.
On March 20, 2020, she left Kwaggafontein A to catch a taxi to KwaMhlanga and never returned home. Her lifeless, partially unclothed body was discovered near Sokapo Secondary School the following day.
Serial Killer Boyfriend with Violent History Murders Girlfriend in Inanda and Flees
The second victim, Zanele Mnguni from KwaMhlanga, was last seen by her siblings on December 11, 2021, heading to Kwaggafontein Mall.
She too never came back. Her body, also sexually assaulted and strangled, was found the next day by a passer-by near the same school where Sangweni’s body was discovered.
Selepe was linked to the crimes through DNA evidence after using his SIM card in one of the victim’s cell phones.
In court, Selepe pleaded not guilty, denying all allegations. However, State Advocate Themba Lusenga presented compelling testimonies from several witnesses, including a pathologist who confirmed that both victims were sexually assaulted before being strangled.
Young Woman Found Dead in Mbali, Pietermaritzburg
Post-mortem reports further corroborated that the cause of death was manual strangulation.
In arguing for a harsh sentence, Advocate Lusenga highlighted the brutal nature of the crimes, noting that Selepe treated his victims inhumanely by leaving them half-naked on the street.
He stressed that appropriate sentencing is crucial to maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system and prevent societal descent into anarchy.
Judge Kgankie Phahlamohlaka, considering all the evidence, saw no reason to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, thus sentencing Selepe to four life terms.
The National Prosecuting Authority continues to prosecute hundreds of such cases daily, ensuring justice for victims and enhancing the safety and well-being of our communities.
Lesotho National Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder of Ex-Girlfriend
Leave a Reply