Heated argument ends tragically for 14-year-old

By Tarryn Le Chat
09 March 2007

Emotions soared at the Cape High Court after 66-year-old Moegamat Saiat Patrick was convicted on charges of murdering his 14-year-old girlfriend. He has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Patrick - and his deceased girlfriend Bernadette Kuboni - lived together in Parkwood. They got involved when she was only 13-years-old. At the tender age of fourteen, Kuboni gave birth to their son.

According to a daily newspaper, on New Year’s Day in 2005, the couple got into a heated argument about Kuboni’s tik addiction. Patrick then took out his gun and shot her.

Acting Judge John Riley convicted Patrick earlier in the week on charges of murder, statutory rape and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Riley said Patrick had shown no remorse and was old enough to be the girl’s grandfather. He has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

The judge questioned Patrick’s love for his girlfriend and mother of his son. Riley also questioned the love Patrick had for his son. The judge made reference to the fact that Patrick had killed Kuboni in their son’s presence.

Reports stated that before Patrick had been taken to the holding cells, he burst into tears and said goodbye to his son.

The boy is with a family member.