By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Pretoria High Court sitting in Palm Ridge sentenced Peter Pitso (36) to 12 years direct imprisonment for murder of his girlfriend.
He was also found unfit for gun possession.
On 2 February 2021, Mathapelo Mirriam Tsotesti and her friend went to a tavern in Sebokeng to look for Pitso.
Lumka Mahanjana, NPA Spokesperson, said when they arrived Pitso offered the deceased alcohol, but she refused.
“After a while, she left the friend with Pitso and they did not know where she went.
“Upon her arrival, Pitso confronted her about her disappearance and proceeded to stab her multiple times on her chest.
“Tsotesti was taken to hospital by a member of the public who was also at the tavern where she later succumbed to stab wounds,” said Mahanjana
Mahanjana said the following day, Pitso went back to retuned and handed himself to the police on 17 February 2021.
“In court he pleaded guilty to the charge against him.
“The family of the deceased said they are hurt because the deceased left behind two minor children,” Mahanjana said.
Advocate Nethononda said South Africa has a high level of violence particularly on vulnerable groups.
“Because of the nature of their relationship, the deceased was vulnerable and she trusted Pitso, but he betrayed that trust in a most horrific way.
“He therefore asked the court to impose the minimum prescribed sentence,” Nethononda said.
During the sentencing, the Judge considered that Pitso showed remorse for his action, which contributed to the court’s decision to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence.
The court also ordered Pitso to participate in victim-offender programs during his sentence.
Mahanjana said the NPA welcomes the sentence.
