Husband killers sentenced
"It was tough times for the family, we are glad justice has prevailed. We thank God and the locals for the support we received since 2017," said family member Onicca Ramaipadi.
BURGERSFORT – The killers of former schoolteacher Daniel Ramaipadi (53) were handed a hefty sentence on Friday by the Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane.
The two accused, Glenrose Vuyela Ramaepadi (41) and her boyfriend Sewisha Johannes “Nomvethe” Mphego (43), were each sentenced to life imprisonment by the court. The two were sentenced for the murder of Ramaepadi, Glenrose’s husband. The teacher and head of department at Manoke Secondary School was killed on July 22, 2017.
“The duo was in a relationship when they plotted to kill the wife’s husband and hired a hitman (Richwell Moeng). The hitman finally carried out the action and shot the man while at his home at Ga-Motodi Village in the Tubatse policing area.
The deceased’s car was found abandoned two days later, some kilometres from the scene at the Mashifane Park sports field.
“A case of murder was opened at Tubatse SAPS and the police commenced with initial investigations and a manhunt for the suspects. The case was later transferred to the Provincial Investigating Unit and assigned to Sgt Qiunani Mgabine.
“The two accused and the hitman were arrested, and unfortunately while in jail, the hitman mysteriously died and the two accused were released after the case was struck off the roll due to lack of evidence,” said Brig Motlafelo Mojapelo, a police spokesperson.
Before his death, Moeng was serving a life imprisonment for his involvement in the murder. He was sentenced back in February 2019 by the same court. After his sentencing, the Limpopo SAPS had indicated that Moeng was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000.
Following thorough investigations by Mgabine, the pair was positively linked to the murder, and they were rearrested and subsequently convicted.
The Ramaipadi family thanked the locals for the support and encouragement since the murder of their beloved brother.
“It was tough times for the family, we are glad justice has prevailed. We thank God and the locals for the support we received since 2017,” said family member Onicca Ramaipadi.
The provincial commissioner of SAPS Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, commended the relentless efforts and determination by the investigating officer which led to the hefty sentence and justice prevailing.
