The Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Lekhotla Joseph Rafanyane (30) for the murder of a police officer.
On 9 April 2023, members of the Bethlehem Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information regarding the killing of a police official in Botjhabela Village, Phuthaditjhaba. Upon visiting the crime scene, the deceased was identified as Constable Mofokeng Mokoetla Daniel, who was stationed at the Phuthaditjhaba Flying Squad.
The victim was found lying on his back with a wound to his forehead and another wound to his back. Emergency Medical Services personnel attended the scene and certified him deceased.
Subsequent investigations led to the identification of suspects. Lekgotla Joseph Rafanyane was arrested and detained at Phuthaditjhaba Police Station, where he was formally charged. The matter appeared before the Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court on several occasions, with the accused remaining in custody throughout the proceedings.
On 27 February 2026, the court found Rafanyane guilty as charged. He was sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.