Ndudi Anyim
A 17-year-old boy, who is alleged to have killed a 27-year-old woman, Mapula (Meiki) Khune, has appeared before the Ventersdorp Children’s Court, as prescribed by the Child Justice Act (Act 75 of 2008), today.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the boy allegedly set the home of the deceased on Extension 2, Tshing, Ventersdorp, ablaze, on March 4.
Neighbours alerted the police after thick smoke was seen emanating from Khune’s house.
According to the office of the Provisional Commissioner, North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, Emergency Services were called, who after forcing entry into a back room, discovered the severely burnt body of Khune on top of her bed.
“Only the back room was damaged during the fire. Police initially investigated an inquest, but after obtaining more information, the inquest was changed to murder.
“Since last Friday, additional cases of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) have been reported,” he said.
Kwena lauded operatives for their speedy response that ensured the apprehension of the perpetrator within one day after committing the alleged murder.
He said the police would continue to work hard to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable and condemned the incidents of violence reported.
He also cautioned members of the community not to take the law into their own hands, but co-operate with the police in order to ensure that justice is served as prescribed by law.