North West woman gets life sentence for brutal murder of elderly victim

North West woman gets life sentence for brutal murder of elderly victim! A 31-year-old woman from the North West has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the gruesome murder of an elderly victim.

The Mogwase Regional Court handed down the harsh sentence to Bridgette Bojosi on Monday, following her conviction for the murder of 65-year-old Anna Mokowe in Mokgalwaneng, Disake.

Horrific Crime and Investigation

According to North West police spokesperson Captain Mpho Manyoba, Mokowe’s burnt body was discovered on March 24, 2023, at a rubbish dump in the backyard of her home. She had suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck, and her remains were covered with a carpet.

Following an intensive investigation, police swiftly arrested Bojosi the next day, on March 25, 2023. She was charged with murder as well as undermining the administration of justice.

Life sentence

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

Along with the life sentence, the court ruled that Bojosi is unfit to own a firearm.

North West’s acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the successful conviction and sentencing. He praised the police, prosecution team, and all involved parties for ensuring that justice was served.

“This sentence reaffirms our commitment to holding violent criminals accountable. Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable members of our communities,” said Asaneng.

The Mogwase Regional Court’s decision sends a strong message about the severity of crimes against the elderly and other vulnerable individuals in South Africa.

Similar Case in Western Cape: 81-Year-Old Woman Killed

While justice has been served in Mokowe’s murder, another shocking case of elder abuse recently unfolded in Piketberg, Western Cape, where an 81-year-old woman died after being assaulted—allegedly by her own son.

The Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation’s executive director, Billy Claasen, confirmed the tragic incident.

According to reports, the elderly woman was brutally assaulted by her 54-year-old son in the early hours of a Sunday morning in January 2025.

Her son then reportedly took her to Piketberg Hospital, claiming she had suffered a sugar attack. However, medical staff at the hospital suspected foul play and alerted the Piketberg police.

Sadly, the elderly woman succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday morning at Tygerberg Hospital.

Her son has since been charged with murder and is awaiting trial.

Rising Cases of Violence Against the Elderly

Both cases highlight the increasing incidents of violent crimes targeting the elderly in South Africa.

Activists and community leaders have raised concerns about elder abuse—often perpetrated by family members, caregivers, or individuals within the victim’s community.

According to Claasen, urgent action is needed to ensure that vulnerable elderly individuals are protected.

“It is heartbreaking that senior citizens, who should be enjoying their final years in peace, are instead suffering horrific abuse and violence, sometimes at the hands of their own children or people they trust,” he said.

Call for Stronger Protection Measures

Cases like these have sparked calls for harsher sentences and better support systems to protect the elderly from abuse, neglect, and violence.

Police and human rights organizations continue to urge communities to report any signs of abuse or suspicious behavior towards the elderly.

Authorities are also encouraging elderly citizens to seek help from social services, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies if they feel threatened or unsafe in their own homes.

Justice for Victims

While the North West police celebrate the successful conviction of Bridgette Bojosi, they acknowledge that much work remains in tackling elder abuse and violent crimes across the country.

As the trial for the Piketberg suspect approaches, South Africans remain hopeful that justice will be served for yet another victim of senseless violence.