Grandfather

Sandisiwe Mona (17) from Kwanokuthula near Plettenberg Bay. Photo: SAPS

Grandfather gets life sentence for murder of 17-year-old granddaughter

Police said the man, who is her grandfather, was convicted of the murder of Sandisiwe Mona (17) from Kwanokuthula near Plettenberg Bay.

Grandfather

Sandisiwe Mona (17) from Kwanokuthula near Plettenberg Bay. Photo: SAPS

A 56-year-old grandfather was convicted and given a life sentence for the murder of 17-year-old Sandisiwe Mona from Kwanokuthula near Plettenberg Bay.

THE GIRL WAS LEFT IN THE CARE OF HER GRANDFATHER IN 2019

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies the man, Motseki Talasi, appeared in the Knysna Circuit High Court on Friday.

This comes after he was convicted of killing Mona, who was left in his care on 13 April 2019 while her grandmother went to a funeral.

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“On her return, the grandmother noticed that the girl was missing and alerted authorities. An extensive search commenced but without any trace of the girl.

“Information about the missing girl was later followed up resulting in a further search of the bushes between Ladywood and Kwanokuthula in Plettenberg Bay, which led to the discovery of human remains about 1,2 kilometre from their residence of the girl. The human remains were later positively identified as those of the missing girl,” he said.

According to Spies, the discovery and further forensic evidence obtained during the cause of the investigation led to the arrest Talasi in September 2019.

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WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE HIS ARREST IN 2019?

“Since his arrest, the grandfather remained in custody till his conviction on 25 November 2021. The Judge handed down a sentence of life imprisonment the following day, 26 November 1021,” he said.

Judge Dolamo presided over the matter whilst the prosecution was led by Advocate Dail Andrews from the National Prosecuting Authority and the defence by Adv. Nawaal Abudraghman(Legal Aid).

Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, had nothing but praise for all those who were instrumental in securing this hefty sentence.

“The protection of the most vulnerable in society, especially women and children, is one of the key priorities for the police. The conclusion of this matter on the second day of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign is proof of this commitment.

“Those in the position of trust should take note that they would face the full might of the law once arrested,” Lt Gen Patekile said.