Latest news with #KoliswaOtola
The Herald
5 days ago
- The Herald
Northern Cape man jailed for murdering girlfriend with beer bottle
A man who used a beer bottle as a weapon to murder his girlfriend on Christmas Day has been sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment in the Northern Cape, as the nation commemorates Women's Month. Lukhanyo Xhotyeni, 41, from Noupoort, assaulted Sandiswa Poni, 40, who also sustained burn wounds during the attack on December 25 2024. 'The accused surrendered to police on December 26. His bail application was successfully opposed, ensuring he remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial,' said police spokesperson Lt-Col Sergio Kock. 'On August 13 the high court sitting in Colesberg found Xhotyeni guilty of murder and sentenced him to 25 years' direct imprisonment.' Northern Cape police commissioner Lt-Gen Koliswa Otola commended Det-Const Adrian Blouw for securing a strong conviction in the gender-based violence and femicide case. 'Women's Month serves as a reminder to cherish and protect our women, children and other vulnerable groups. This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of such crimes will face the full might of the law,' said Otola. TimesLIVE
The Herald
01-07-2025
- The Herald
Northern Cape man gets life for wife's murder
Northern Cape police commissioner Lt-Gen Koliswa Otola applauded the life sentence that was handed down to Charles Matthys for killing and burying his wife Annamary Matthys in Calvinia. On April 15 2022 the accused, 55, beat his 40-year-old wife to death at their home and buried her in a shallow grave behind a school in Calvinia. Police were alerted by a community member and the husband was found with bloodstained clothes and subsequently arrested. The Northern Cape High court sentenced Matthys on Friday to life imprisonment for murder, one year for assault and six months for defeating the ends of justice. Otola commended Det-Sgt Jaco Swartz from Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for his meticulous investigation that led to the sentence. 'She also extended her appreciation for the collaboration with the community and the prosecutor advocate Neshmi Pillay for their role in ensuring that justice is served and to eradicate gender-based violence and femicide from our communities,' police spokesperson Lt-Col Sergio Kock said. TimesLIVE
