A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Veronique May, whose body was discovered in Kamesh, Gqeberha, in October 2025.
Lelethu Nkosana was found guilty and sentenced in the Gqeberha High Court on Monday, 17 August 2026, following a police investigation into the child’s disappearance.
Nkosana received three years’ imprisonment for housebreaking, life imprisonment for rape and a further life sentence for murder. The sentences will run concurrently.
He will also be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Veronique was reported missing by her family at the Kamesh police station on Sunday, 5 October 2025. Police immediately launched a search and obtained information about the person she was last seen with.
Investigators located Nkosana, who, after questioning, led police to premises in De Booi Street, Langa, on Monday, 6 October. The child’s lifeless body was discovered inside one of the rooms.
Nkosana was subsequently arrested and charged before being convicted following a thorough investigation and court proceedings.
The SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Kariega welcomed the successful conclusion of the case.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended the investigating team, led by Warrant Officer Mbulelo Grootboom, for their dedication in securing justice for Veronique.
“The loss of a child is devastating, and this sentence demonstrates that SAPS will continue to pursue perpetrators of crimes against children and ensure that they are held accountable,” said Ngalo.
No tags for this post.
