A man from Bethani Village near Ga-Rankuwa, Jerry Lebethe (45), was recently sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for abducting and murdering a man who was reported missing nine years ago. According to the police in the area, the deceased, Buti More, went missing nine years ago but a report was never filed. Police received a report of his disappearance last year in May from the community services centre and began investigating.
More was apparently killed in Ga-Rankuwa View and buried by Lebethe somewhere in the newly built Zone 23 and 24, according to police information gathered from witnesses. The deceased’s body was, however, never found.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Matthews Nkoadi, told Record that their preliminary investigation led to the arrest of Lebethe and his girlfriend, Kedibone Baloyi (32). “Both suspects were arrested in the Kgabalatsane area. Jerry confessed to the murder and told police that he had buried the body in a grave around Zone 23, but the body has not yet been recovered.” The area where victim is alleged to have been buried is undergoing large-scale developments at the moment, which is impeding the police’s efforts.
Baloyi was released and has since turned state witness, while Lebethe received a 10-year sentence for murder. Nkoadi said the case’s development showed that police in the area did not take any case for granted and always worked hard to provide better safety in the area. “Our acting station commander commended the detective team for their hard work and dedication to the investigation,” he said.
noweto@rekord.co.za