RUSTENBURG, May (ANA) - The mother and stepfather of four-year-old Poppie van der Merwe, have been sentenced to a life imprisonment for her murder, North West police said on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Pelonomi Makau said Kobus Koekemoer, 45, and his wife Louisa van der Merwe, 47, were sentenced at the High Court in Pretoria for the murder of Poppie.
Koekemoer was arrested in October 2016 in connection with the murder and abuse of Poppie. He was accused of killing his stepdaughter by assaulting her several times, including kicking her in the chest at their home in Mamogaleskraal near Brits.
The child was taken to hospital in Brits on October 25, 2016, where she was declared dead on arrival.
His wife Louisa was arrested on December 15, 2016, after the court ordered the police to arrest and charge her as an accomplice to murder.
Makau said the couple was sentenced to life for murder, ten years imprisonment for child abuse, and ten years imprisonment for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
They were also declared unsuitable to work with children.
North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, commended Brits detectives and the investigating team comprising of Sergeant Mpho Matome, Sergeant Patrick Radebe and Sergeant Lucas Putu and other role players for a sterling job and ensuring that the culprits get severe sentences.
She said that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals including those who commit crimes against women and children.
- African News Agency (ANA)
