What we know about Precious Ramabulana’s suspected killer

A press briefing was held by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla Sitole, on Thursday 21 November 2019 in Limpopo, where Precious Ramabulana’s murder and the arrest of the suspect was discussed. 

Here’s what we know about Precious Ramabulana’s murder suspect:

How old is the murder suspect?

Police apprehended a 28-year-old man. 

Items found in possession of Ramabulana’s murder suspect

Police said a murder weapon and a cellphone, supposedly stolen from the Ramabulana, and blood-stained clothes were amongst some of the things found in the suspect’s possession. 

Where Ramabulana’s suspect was arrested

The suspect was arrested early on Thursday 28 November 2019, at his parent’s home in Nyakelang in Botlokwa.

“At this juncture, we call upon our courts to impose the harshest sentence possible on this suspect, once found guilty, as all efforts will be committed by the police to prove the case to the letter,” said Sithole. 

Ramabulana’s brutal murder 

According to preliminary investigations, Ramabulana was asleep in her room when she was attacked, raped, (yet to be confirmed by police), and stabbed 52 times in her own dorm room at 02:30 on Sunday 24 November 2019. 

She will be buried in her village of Nzhelele on Friday, 29 November 2019.

Police confirmed on Monday 25 November that an investigation was underway and that they were looking for one male suspect.  

16 Days Of Activism 

The very next day, after Ramabulana’s brutal murder in Limpopo, marked the beginning of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign against gender-based violence (GBV). 

Risham Maharaj, a DA representative in Molemole, Limpopo, has lamented the “senseless killing” of Precious Ramabulana, questioning the government’s commitment to keeping our female citizens safe. Maharaj said on Monday 25 November 2019:

“We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fellow students and our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult period of mourning. The senseless killing continues to highlight the vulnerability and plight of women and girls in our rural communities.

It is clear that our government is failing to keep them safe. The DA will visit the family in Ndzhelele this week to convey our condolences to support the family. We urge the SAPS to prioritise this case and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book with immediate effect.”