Double life sentences for gruesome revenge murder over BMW

Northam/ Rustenburg – The provincial commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, lieutenant general Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the meticulous investigation by detectives in Northam, following the hefty sentence of two life imprisonments handed down to Ugandan national Sulaiman Kamya (29) for the brutal murder of a couple in a revenge attack.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba reported that on 4 January 2019, the charred remains of Joshua Mutaasa (38) and his wife Rita (43) were discovered at their residence in Wildebeeslaagte, Northam. Investigations revealed that the couple had been violently attacked with a sharp object, and the perpetrator then set the house alight. It was also established that the deceased’s silver BMW sedan was stolen.

The investigation team followed leads to Rustenburg, where the accused was tracked down on the same day. A breakthrough came when the cellphone of one of the deceased was found at the suspect’s house, along with blood-stained trousers already soaked in water. Thorough investigations revealed the location of the vehicle at a local scrapyard where the vehicle’s details were being changed. The vehicle was seized, and further investigations led the team to an open field where additional clothes and property belonging to the male deceased were found. Sulaiman Kamya was charged with two counts of murder and house robbery.

Evidence presented during the trial established that the murders were premeditated and carried out as an act of revenge.

Kamya had wanted to buy the couple’s vehicle and had agreed to pay in instalments. When he could no longer afford the outstanding amount, he requested his money back. The victims told him he would get the money later, but Kamya became aggressive and forcefully moved into their home, demanding the cash back. He then killed the couple, set their house alight, and stole some property, including the vehicle involved in the dispute.

The case was investigated by detective sergeant Thabiso Seshoka, who successfully opposed bail until the convict was ultimately sentenced to two life terms and an additional 15 years for house robbery on Wednesday 22 May 2024 by the Modimolle Regional Court.