Alcohol not an excuse for murder, rules Kebonang

Delivering judgment on extenuation and sentencing in Makwatse versus State, Kebonang emphasised that intoxication or emotional distress cannot be used to justify taking another person’s life, particularly in circumstances where the accused had time to regain self-control. Makwatse had earlier pleaded guilty to the 2015 murder of Dipuo Ramalepa in Rasesa.

The conviction followed a summary of agreed facts submitted by both the state and the defence, in which the accused admitted to attacking the deceased with an axe whilst she slept at her boyfriend’s residence.