Thorough and meticulous investigation conducted by the South African Police Service detective team has ensured that Johan Kotze and his co-accused receive life sentences. For this reason, we hope this sentence will serve as a warning to all the perpetrators of gender violence that their acts will be severely punished.

This was stated by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa as he congratulated the police who were involved in the case and welcomed the life sentences in prison which were handed in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria today. Kotze received a life sentence for the murder of his stepson Conrad Bonette, a life sentence for the rape of Ina Bonette and 25 years for kidnapping and assault. His co-accused Andries Sithole, Pieta Mohlake and Sello Mphaka also received life sentences. “I have consistently stated that we shall be channeling police resources and capacitating our detectives, so that police do not only arrest those who are on the wrong side of the law, but mainly secure convictions. In order to achieve these objectives, we needed to re-enforce our detective and investigative arms,” stated the Minister.

“For this reason, currently all members of the police are introduced to basic detective work, whether in the final analysis they end up operating in detectives or not. The convictions in this case indicate that our investments are beginning to yield the desired results. We are therefore immensely proud of our members’ contribution to the successful convictions in this regard.” During his Budget Vote in Parliament this year, Minister Mthethwa emphasized that gender-based and domestic violence not only affect the most vulnerable in society but can also contribute to a mentality that violence is an acceptable and valid means of self-assertion. He stressed that protection of communities was therefore central to our strategies aimed at reducing incidences of gender-based violence.

The Minister reiterated that a victim-oriented police service is thus an important part of the overall criminal justice response to crimes against vulnerable groups in society. This approach will also encourage victims to report incidents of crime and ultimately contribute to building confidence and trust in the police.

For enquiries, please contact:

Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police 082 045 4024
NATIONAL MEDIA CENTRE
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service
Office:+27 12-4006579 /6629 /6576
Fax: +27 12 - 400 7018