The Bloemfontein High court has sentenced a man for the murder of his wife and their 17-month-old baby.
Itumeleng Pieter Matema, 38, was sentenced to 22 years for his wife’s murder and another 22 years for the murder of their child.
Both sentences will run concurrently, Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said in a statement on Thursday.
Arrested on the run
Kareli said the incident happened on 8 September 2024.
Matema and his wife, Puseletso Bokale got into an argument after Bokale accused him of having an affair.
The argument escalated, and Matema shot and killed Bokale and their child.
Kareli said emergency services who responded to the scene declared both victims dead, prompting a police search for Matema.
He was later arrested in Botshabelo by members of the Serious and Violent Crime (SVC) Unit.
Kareli commended the collaboration between the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that ensured justice for the victims.
“Through meticulous investigation and effective collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority, the State secured a successful conviction against Matema,” Kareli said.
