The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of Thapelo Innocent Modise (25) from Pampierstad, who was handed two life terms plus three years’ imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court on September 16.

Modise was convicted on two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, following a horrific incident that unfolded on May 23 2023 in Itireleng near Pampierstad.

According to testimony, a young mother was breastfeeding her 3-year-old child when Modise attacked her grandmother outside. As the woman tried to intervene, Modise attempted to rape her. While her child cried in fear, Modise grabbed the little girl and fatally stabbed her.

A neighbour, who was visiting at the time, entered the house and was also attacked. Modise stabbed both the neighbour and the child’s mother before locking them inside a bedroom and setting it alight. The 3-year-old child and the neighbour tragically died in the blaze, while the mother managed to survive and later gave crucial testimony in court.

Despite pleading not guilty, Modise was found guilty after the State, led by Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa, presented strong evidence that proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt. In aggravation of sentence, Mokgopa argued that Modise’s actions were “gruesome, evil, and shocking,” and deserved the harshest punishment.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate Buti Zulu echoed the prosecution’s arguments, stating that Modise preyed on vulnerable victims who were unable to defend themselves. The court imposed the following sentences:

Welcoming the outcome, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised the prosecution team and investigators. “These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime,” she said.