Woman killed, friend raped – suspect commits suicide

Police are investigating cases of murder and rape and have also registered an inquest docket after a 37yearold suspect allegedly shot and killed his 27yearold girlfriend and raped her 31yearold friend before turning the gun on himself at Extension 17, the RDP section of Mokopane last week.

Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo indicated that preliminary investigations revealed that Benjamin Tebogo Marema reportedly shot and killed Kholofelo Morerwa after an apparent altercation over infidelity.

Mojapelo further said that a quarrel between the couple allegedly started last Tuesday when the suspect arrived at his girlfriend’s rented place. It is reported that he then forcefully took her to her friend’s place which is a few metres away where a heated argument ensued, according to Mojapelo.

It was further learnt that the suspect allegedly produced a firearm during the argument and fired several shots at his girlfriend, killing her instantly. He subsequently threatened his girlfriend’s friend with the gun and allegedly raped her before turning the gun on himself, according to Mojapelo.

The Police were informed and on arrival officers summoned emergency service personnel who certified the two dead on the scene. Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba condemned the incident and appealed to members of the community to seek professional assistance to ensure that disputes are resolved amicably instead of resorting to violence.

Mojapelo said that the motive behind the killing is not clear yet but that domestic violence cannot be ruled out.