Police said that the victim was home alone when Alpha Ngobeni,28, from Xikukwani under Greater Giyani municipality, broke into the house on 13 February 2021 and raped her.
After the ordeal, Ngobeni stabbed his mother-in-law with a sharp object and fled the scene.
The Communication Officer of Giyani SAPS, Constable Ridgewell Rikhotso in a statement on Wednesday, said the following day, they received information about the lifeless body in the house.
“A case of the inquest was opened. The investigation led to the arrest of Ngobeni on 18 February 2021. The accused was positively linked through the DNA tests.” Constable Rikhotso stated.
“Ngobeni will serve 35 years behind bars. His sentences won’t run concurrently.” Rikhotso added.