On Tuesday, 21 July 2026, the Vryheid Regional Court sentenced Asanda Fakude to 30 years' direct imprisonment for the murder of his then 17-year-old girlfriend at Gegund Farm, within the Vryheid policing precinct, on 16 February 2026.
The accused had invited his girlfriend to spend Valentine's Day with him; however, she did not honour the invitation. On Monday, 16 February 2026, driven by anger over her failure to meet him, the accused confronted the victim. The confrontation escalated into a violent assault during which he repeatedly assaulted her until she succumbed to her injuries. He then concealed her lifeless body in nearby bushes.
Investigation and confession
On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, Fakude contacted the Paulpietersburg SAPS Detectives Commander and confessed to the crime. He was immediately arrested and later conducted a formal pointing-out, leading the police to the location where he had hidden the deceased's body.
Verdict and conclusion
Asanda was subsequently charged with murder and reappeared before the court, where he pleaded guilty to killing his girlfriend. The Vryheid Regional Court found him guilty and sentenced him to 30 years' direct imprisonment.