Free State man jailed for life for murder of girlfriend in Bloemspruit

Jan Mafa Papi Lebona has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bloemfontein High Court after being found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, 34-year-old Nicolene van Rooi.

Police called to Bloemspruit house after death

Police were called to a house in Grassland 1, Bloemspruit on Sunday, 4 February 2024. Officers attended the scene at about 10pm and were led to a shack at the back of the property where they found a woman’s body lying face-up with a swollen face and visible bruises. Emergency medical service personnel and Local Criminal Record Centre experts also arrived at the house.

Suspect detained by community members; investigation opened

In a statement released by the South African Police Service, police said the suspect identified as Nicolene’s boyfriend had been apprehended by community members. A murder docket was opened at the Bloemspruit Police Station and Warrant Officer Moeketsi Solomon Mokgobo was tasked with completing the investigation.

Family account of events before the killing

According to a statement obtained by Warrant Officer Mokgobo from Nicolene’s husband, the couple once had a happy family with three children: his stepson and two other siblings. He alleged problems began after he lost his job and that his wife became disrespectful and abusive towards him. He said Nicolene later moved out to live with the accused, Jan Mafa, also known as Papi.

The husband’s statement said that after she moved in with Papi, he allegedly became abusive towards Nicolene and threatened to kill her and her husband. On the Sunday of Nicolene’s death, the husband said Papi assaulted both Nicolene and her 12-year-old daughter. The daughter witnessed Papi assaulting her mother with open hands and clenched fists.

Court outcome

The Bloemfontein High Court found Jan Mafa Papi Lebona, 32, guilty of murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

What the record shows

• Victim: Nicolene van Rooi, 34.
• Date of death on file: 4 February 2024.
• Location: Grassland 1, Bloemspruit.
• Investigating officer named: Warrant Officer Moeketsi Solomon Mokgobo.
• Court: Bloemfontein High Court; sentence: life imprisonment.