Johannesburg – Two men have been sentenced to 27 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of a North West police officer who was stabbed during a robbery.
The Vryburg High Court on Wednesday, 15 September 2026, sentenced Taolo Sebolai, 25, and Karabo Kunene, 25, to 27 years in prison for murder and an additional 15 years for robbery.
The pair were convicted over the death of Constable Gaerutwe Eric Tekolo, who was attached to Bray SAPS.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Tekolo was found with stab wounds after allegedly being attacked and robbed of his wallet and cellphone. He later succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
SAPS said Tekolo had called his brother to collect him from his elder sister’s home so they could travel together to Madinonyane.
“His brother allegedly saw someone sitting on the street when he was about to arrive at the meeting place. He reportedly discovered that it was his brother and he had stab wounds but was still alive,” SAPS said.
Tekolo allegedly told his brother that he had been attacked by two unknown men who robbed him of his belongings.
“Upon questioning him, he alleged that he was attacked by two unknown people who robbed him of his wallet and a cellphone,” police said.
“Constable Tekolo was declared deceased on the scene.”
The Mmabatho-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit arrested Sebolai and Kunene on 5 April 2025 after following up information linked to the murder.
“The accused made several appearances until 15 September 2026 whereby they were convicted and sentenced,” SAPS said.
The North West Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Nombuso Khoza, and North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari praised the investigation and prosecution teams for their efforts.
SAPS said the officials had “applauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
