Kekana and Joels had been in a relationship for seven years before the tragic incident occurred on 21 October 2022. After returning to Joels’ rented shack from a nearby tuck shop, the couple got into a heated argument, which ended with Kekana shooting Joels in the head. She died instantly.
The following morning, Kekana approached a neighbor, claiming Joels had been injured and left. Worried, the neighbor and Joels’ landlord went to check on her. Upon entering the shack, they discovered Joels’ lifeless body on the bed, her head wrapped in a blood-soaked towel. Shocked, they alerted the police and community members. Kekana returned to the scene shortly after and was arrested. He has been in custody since that day.
In court, Kekana pleaded not guilty, denying he was present when Joels died. However, state prosecutor Advocate David Molokomme presented overwhelming evidence and witness testimony that proved his involvement. During the sentencing hearing, Kekana’s legal team sought a lesser sentence, pointing to the two years he spent in custody awaiting trial. But Advocate Molokomme argued firmly for life imprisonment, highlighting the gravity of the crime and the rising occurrence of such offenses in South Africa. He noted that Kekana, as Joels’ partner, was supposed to protect her, especially since she had no family in Gauteng.
The court also heard a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) from Joels’ landlord, who was a close friend of the deceased. Facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese, the statement conveyed the landlord’s deep sorrow over Joels’ death. The landlord revealed that Joels had no immediate family in Gauteng and had only her three dogs, one of which still visits the house daily. The landlord was also left with the responsibility of arranging Joels’ burial since her family in the Free State was unable to do so.
Judge Masopa, agreeing with the state’s position, condemned Kekana’s lack of remorse and the brutal nature of the murder. He stressed that although no sentence could bring Joels back or mend the pain of those affected, it was essential to remove Kekana from society permanently to protect other women and children. Finding no compelling reason to deviate from the minimum sentence, Judge Masopa sentenced Kekana to life imprisonment.
Kekana later sought to appeal both his conviction and sentence, but the state successfully opposed the application, which was denied.
