Free State man jailed 22 years for killing wife and toddler after alleged affair dispute
A Free State man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the brutal murders of his wife and toddler son following a domestic dispute.
Itumeleng Pieter Matema, 32, was convicted and sentenced by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Matema was found guilty of killing his wife, Puseletso Bokale, 34, and their 17-month-old son after an argument on September 8, 2024.
Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomula Kareli said that the family had just returned home after attending a party when tensions escalated.
“An argument allegedly ensued after Matema received a phone call, leading Bokale to accuse her husband of having an affair,” said Kareli.
He further stated that the heated argument continued, and the couple then went to Bokale’s house.
“It is alleged that during the dispute, Matema drew his private licensed firearm and fatally shot both his wife and their baby boy before fleeing the scene,” said Kareli.
Emergency services were called, and both victims were declared dead on the scene.
Matema, who had fled to Botshabelo, was arrested by the Serious and Violent Crime (SVC) Unit.
He was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for the murder of his wife and a further 22 years imprisonment for the murder of his 17-month-old son. The court ordered that the two sentences are to run concurrently.
He will effectively serve 22 years in jail.
IOL News