 The Free State police have commended the successful conviction and sentencing of 45-year-old Klaas Banyane for the murder of his girlfriend, who died after being set alight with petrol.
The horrific incident occurred on 17 June 2024 at the couple’s home in A Section, Botshabelo. According to police reports, Banyane doused his girlfriend in petrol before igniting her. The Botshabelo SAPS initially registered an attempted murder case on 21 June 2024, but the charge was upgraded to murder after the victim succumbed to her severe burn injuries at Pelonomi Hospital on 24 June 2024.
Following the attack, Banyane fled the scene after being confronted by community patrollers. However, Sergeant Itumeleng Mara, the investigating officer, pursued leads that ultimately led to Banyane’s arrest in Verkeerdevlei.
After appearing in the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court, Banyane was convicted of murder on Thursday, 5 June 2025, and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
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