Boyfriend burns girlfriend to death
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The Gauteng Division of High Court of South Africa has handed down a life sentence plus 10 years to a 41 years old man for the murder of his then 21 years girlfriend.
The victim who was also a North West University (NWU) student, Karabo Maluleke’s charred body was discovered 5 days after being burned to death by Tinyiko Baloyi.
The court heard that Baloyi had kidnapped Maluleke for three days before taking her to an open veld where he tied her up before setting her alight after accusing her of being in another relationship.
“He held her captive for three days at a Guest House in Roodeport, during which time her family and friends tried to contact her. When she was unreachable they reported her missing.”
“Ultimately, on 30 May 2023, Baloyi drove Maluleke to an open field in Doornkop where he tied both her hands and feet, poured her with petrol and burned her to death. Her charred body was discovered five days later in the field” said NPA’s Phindi Mjonondwana.
An investigation into the matter by Warrant Officer Rabed Zwana when tracing the accused’s movements proved that Baloyi had rented a car to fetch Maluleke from Potchefstroom to the guesthouse.
After killing her, he returned the vehicle to the rental company. In his attempt to skip town, he exchanged his phone for money at a taxi rank before fleeing to his home in Giyani, where he was eventually apprehended.
He pleaded guilty and testified in mitigation of sentence, citing that he cooperated with the law.
He also said that he contributed to Maluleke’s well-being, including tuition fee payments and the provision of a laptop. He further offered an apology to the family.
