Randburg Magistrates’ Court Sentences Paul Molatsi Shene to Life for Brutal Murder of Ex-Girlfriend Lerato Makume
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Paul Molatsi Shene, a 42-year-old Lesotho national, to life imprisonment plus an additional two years for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Lerato Makume (32).
Shene’s heinous act occurred during a financial dispute on April 30, 2023, in Zandspruit, Honeydew.
He strangled Makume in her residence and left her body to decompose for several days.
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Neighbors, disturbed by the stench, alerted the landlord, leading to the discovery of Makume’s body. Shene fled the scene after being informed about the police investigation by a community member but was later apprehended.
During police questioning, Shene claimed he intended only to scare Makume, not to kill her. This defense did not hold up in court, especially given his criminal history.
Shene was previously sentenced to 12 years for culpable homicide of his brother in 2012. After serving his sentence, he was deported back to Lesotho but illegally re-entered South Africa. Within three months of his illegal return, he murdered Makume.
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Regional Court Prosecutor Marike Lessing argued convincingly for a strict sentence, highlighting Shene’s blatant disregard for the law. The court agreed, imposing the maximum penalty for his crime.
This sentencing aligns with the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). In accordance with the newly enacted GBVF Bill, the NPA continues to ensure justice for victims like Lerato Makume.
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court’s decision serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of such heinous acts and reinforces the fight against GBVF in South Africa.
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