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Northern Cape man sentenced to life for brutal murder of girlfriend

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A 33-year-old Northern Cape man was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal assault and murder of his girlfriend in Delportshoop.

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A 33-YEAR-OLD Northern Cape man was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal assault and murder of his girlfriend in Delportshoop.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the sentencing took place in the Northern Cape High Court on October 15, with the accused, Jakob Ratel, also receiving an additional three years for three counts of assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH), to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Senokoatsane explained that the incident occurred in May 2021 while Ratel and his partner, Rene Lillian Lachporia, were living together in Delportshoop.

“They were at a local shebeen when an argument broke out over financial matters. After leaving the shebeen, they proceeded to Ratel’s sister’s house, accompanied by another girlfriend of the accused, where the argument escalated into physical violence. Ratel’s sister eventually ordered them to leave after he began to assault Lachporia.”

He added that about two hours later, Ratel returned to his sister’s home and confessed to her that he had kicked and trampled on Lachporia’s head, indicating the severity of his actions.

“Following this disturbing conversation, he visited his mother to inform her that he had killed Lachporia. His mother noticed that Ratel’s shoes were covered in blood, prompting her to contact his sister to check on her.

“Several unsuccessful attempts were made to reach Lachporia and her body was discovered two days later, covered with a blanket in her home. The police were called to the scene and she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Ratel was arrested for the murder of Lachporia.”

Senokoatsane stated that Ratel pleaded not guilty to all charges.

“The State successfully presented evidence to have both his mother and sister declared hostile witnesses after they denied earlier statements made regarding the incident.

“During sentencing, senior State advocate Anel Stellenberg argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify deviating from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment. She emphasised how Ratel showed no remorse for his actions, claiming self-defence while admitting to killing the victim. The State highlighted the danger the accused posed to society.”

He noted that the victim impact report illustrated the “profound grief” suffered by Lachporia’s family. “Her two children have been left without their mother due to Ratel’s senseless actions.

“In her ruling, the judge stated that the court must uphold its constitutional mandate to address murders arising from domestic relationships and to protect the constitutional rights of victims.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the ruling and will continue to ensure that individuals who commit such heinous crimes face severe consequences. The NPA remains committed to pursuing justice for victims of crime and advocating for harsher sentences for perpetrators of domestic violence,” Senokoatsane added.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam stated that Ratel was involved in multiple relationships.

“On the day of the incident on May 15, 2021, the accused engaged in an argument with the deceased that resulted in a fight that was separated by the other girlfriend, who later left with the accused,” said Sam.

He confirmed that Ratel later returned to Lachporia and killed her. “Hence the body of the deceased was discovered two days later in her house.”

Sam added that the court also declared Ratel unfit to possess a firearm.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence and praised the investigation and prosecution team for their efforts in ensuring that gender-based violence and femicide crimes are dealt with severely.

The investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Olebogeng Raphael Khoboko, and the senior State advocate, Anel Stellenberg. Picture: SAPS
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