The Bloemfontein High Court has sentenced 28-year-old Thabiso Andries Hoye to 22 years’ imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Mariam Brand, a crime he initially reported as a fatal attack by strangers.
The court heard that on Sunday, 15 September 2024, Hoye arrived at the Bainsvlei Police Station claiming he and Brand had been attacked by three unknown African males at a plot on Ednan Avenue. Police and emergency services responded immediately.
Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found the bloodied, lifeless body of Brand by the gate. She had sustained a bruised face, an open wound on her left hand, and multiple stab wounds to her back.
Detective Sergeant Mokonenyana Mokhele, who initiated the preliminary investigation, noted a drag trail on the dirt road. This led to the discovery of critical evidence at the primary crime scene, including blood-stained headgear, lip balm, a broken beer bottle, and a sealed beer quart.
Following the opening of a murder docket at Bainsvlei Police Station, Hoye—the very individual who reported the crime—was arrested as a suspect. The investigation was assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Lebohang Rampokanyo for completion.
The evidence presented in court ultimately dismantled Hoye’s account. He was found guilty of Brand’s murder.
In addition to the 22-year sentence, the court declared Thabiso Andries Hoye unfit to possess a firearm.