KEY POINTS
- Former police constable Vincent Rammutla was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Lisbeth Seloma, after she told him she wanted to end their relationship.
- The court ruled that Rammutla’s actions were premeditated, as he shot Seloma multiple times with his service pistol during an argument.
- The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stricter measures to combat gender-based violence and regulate the use of service weapons by law enforcement officers.
The Pretoria High Court on Tuesday found former constable Kgabo Vincent Rammutla guilty of murdering his 29-year-old girlfriend, Lisbeth Seloma, in a tragic case of intimate partner violence.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of October 15, 2017, at the couple’s home in Mamelodi, has shocked the community and highlighted the dangers of domestic abuse.
The court heard that Seloma had informed Rammutla, 41, who was stationed at the Eersterust police station, of her decision to end their relationship and move out of their shared home.
Sowetanlive reports that the incident sparked a heated argument, during which Rammutla fatally shot Seloma multiple times with his service pistol.
“In court, Rammutla pleaded not guilty. However, the state, led by advocate Pieter Luyt, presented compelling evidence and credible witnesses,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
Among the witnesses was the couple’s landlord, who testified about the events leading to Seloma’s death.
A Pattern of Control and Violence
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, where intimate partner violence remains alarmingly high.
According to recent statistics, a woman is killed by her intimate partner every eight hours in the country.
Seloma’s death is a grim reminder of the risks faced by women attempting to leave abusive relationships.
Judge Jacobus Johannes Strijdom, in delivering the judgment, ruled that Rammutla had a clear motive to kill Seloma, as she was planning to leave him.
“The court found that his actions of firing multiple shots demonstrated intent to kill,” the judge stated.
Rammutla, who confessed to the crime at the scene, was arrested after neighbors alerted the police.
He has been in custody since the incident and now faces a life sentence for his actions. The matter has been postponed to April 9 for sentencing.
The case has sparked outrage among local residents and gender rights activists, who are calling for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies.
“This is not just a crime against Lisbeth but against all women who live in fear of their partners,” said Thandiwe Mokoena, a spokesperson for Women Against Abuse, a local advocacy group.
