On Monday, May 16, a South African traditional healer was convicted of murdering his partner by burning her alive and stabbing her while she was on fire.

Thapelo Ramoruki, 29, was convicted in the North West high court, sitting at Mogwase regional court. 

In addition to the murder conviction, he was also found guilty of pointing a firearm. He was acquitted on a charge of kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm. 

It is alleged that on January 12, 2021, Ramoruki, together with his girlfriend Tsholofelo Tsheko, their one-month-old baby, and Tsheko’s younger brother, drove to Sandfontein cemetery to perform a ritual for their child.

He took with him petrol, a pellet gun, a knife and traditional beer.

After performing the ritual, they moved to a nearby dam to cleanse themselves before going home.

"Upon arrival at the dam, Ramoruki pointed a gun at himself, then later pointed it at Tsheko and ordered her to hand over the baby to her younger brother," said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Henry Mamothame. "

“He instructed the brother to wait in the car." He then poured petrol over Tsheko and set her alight. He went on to stab her in the abdomen several times while she was burning.

Ramoruki was arrested on the scene. Tsheko was taken to Moses Kotane Hospital but died the next day. 

Ramoruki is to be sentenced on Wednesday, May 18.