Sentence will not bring back my child – mom

RELIEF: Elizabeth Mohale hugs State Advocate, Joylene Mabaso. THE MOTHERS of the two victims who were killed by a fire started by Elisa Tsilo, yesterday welcomed the life sentence handed down to her in the Northern Cape High Court.

Tsilo was sentenced to life imprisonment for premeditated murder after she was found guilty of killing her boyfriend, Victor Louw, after dousing him with petrol and setting him alight. She received a further 15 year sentence for a second count of murder following the death of four-year-old Obakeng Mohale.

Tsilo also received a further five years for arson after setting the home of Victor’s mother, Lena Louw, on fire, as well as a six-month sentence for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after her own son, who was only a year old at the time, suffered burn injuries.

The incident occurred on December 23 last year. Victor and Obakeng died in the Kimberley Hospital on Christmas Eve after they succumbed to their injuries.

Obakeng’s mother, Elizabeth Mohale, wept uncontrollably yesterday after sentencing procedures.

Mohale said that although she was relieved that Tsilo had been punished, this would not bring back her young son.

“I am happy with the sentence but this will not bring back my child. I am not able to forgive the accused. I will try to find peace now that the perpetrator has been sentenced but I still miss and remember my child each day,” Mohale said as she cried.

Lena Louw said that she too had suffered a tremendous loss.

“I have lost so much … I lost my son who supported and took care of me and I have also lost my home. I now have to stay in a house with burnt walls, which reminds me of that tragic day. I am now left all alone in that house. I never expected my life would take such a drastic turn,” she said. Lena is currently taking care of the child of her son and Tsilo.

“The child is currently two years old and has recovered from the burn wounds he suffered. I take care of him with the pension grant I receive. I am deeply saddened when I look at him and I see the state of my home. I do not know how I will be able to explain to him one day what happened to his mother and the circumstances surrounding his father’s death. That is such a bitter pill to swallow. However, I have to take care the child since he is the only memory I have left of my son,” she said.