T-shirt allegedly links accused to Keimoes shallow grave murder

THE MAN arrested in connection with the murder of 44-year-old Keimoes mother Christina Beukes was allegedly linked to the crime after a T-shirt believed to belong to him was found at the scene. 

Her body was discovered buried in a shallow grave along the Orange River on October 25.

Beukes was reported missing after her family became worried when she failed to return home.

A family member stated that they searched everywhere for Beukes after she left home to go for a walk along the river on October 23 at around 1pm.

“We are devastated over her death. She was so kind and loving.”

She added that the community would attend all court appearances in their numbers in an effort to prevent the accused from being granted bail.

“We want justice to be served. The accused was known to my mother.”

Give Light GBVF Foundation organised a peaceful march to the Keimoes Magistrate’s Court on October 30 during the first court appearance of 39-year-old Mario Willemse from Currieskamp.

The foundation said a follow-up march would be held on November 9, when Willemse is expected to make a formal bail application.

Keimoes detectives arrested Willemse in Currieskamp, Keimoes, on October 28.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Keimoes SAPS, together with the Upington Search and Rescue Unit, had launched an investigation into her disappearance.

“On Sunday, October 25, the Upington K9 Unit joined the search. At approximately 1.30pm, the body was discovered in a shallow grave near the river in Currieskamp. Police are conducting a murder investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.”

“SAPS remains committed to pursuing all avenues of the investigation to ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are brought before the courts,” Ehlers added.

The ZF Mgcawu district commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the investigating team for their dedicated efforts that led to the swift arrest of the suspect.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Willemse was charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice.

“Beukes was reported missing by her family after she was last seen alive on October 23, while on her way to the river. Police subsequently launched a search operation. Her body was discovered buried in a shallow grave, among bushes at Currieskamp, near Keimoes, on October 25.”

Senokoatsane said a T-shirt found buried alongside Beukes was subsequently identified as allegedly belonging to the accused.

“The accused was also observed to have scratch marks on his neck and back, as well as abrasions on his knees. These allegations and the evidence gathered during the investigation will be tested through the court process.”

He added that Willemse was on parole following a previous rape conviction in 2019.

“The matter was postponed to November 9 to allow the accused to apply for legal representation from Legal Aid South Africa and for a possible bail application. The State intends to oppose bail, given the seriousness of the charges.”

Senokoatsane called on communities to continue working with law enforcement agencies by reporting incidents of violence and providing information that may assist investigations and prosecutions.

“The NPA views crimes committed against women and children with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to ensuring accountability through effective and victim-centred prosecution.

“The loss of yet another woman’s life is a painful reminder of the devastating impact of violence against women on families and communities. The NPA will continue to prosecute these matters vigorously and, where the evidence supports prosecution, seek appropriate sentences against those convicted of such crimes,” Senokoatsane said.