This is some of the chilling evidence heard by the Mmabatho High Court from a state witness - who was also a friend to Bylsma and his ex-girlfriend - Sharnelle Hough. The National Prosecution Authority's (NPA) Henry Mamothame says during the proceedings a friend divulged how Bylsma vowed to drive Hough to commit suicide after she moved on from their relationship and found a new boyfriend.

Bylsma called his friend on 24 May in 2018, citing his disapproval of Hough' new relationship. Two days later Hough and her best friend, Marna Engelbrecht, were found dead in the early hours the morning. Mamothame says after Bylsma's arrest by a private investigator, more evidence pointing to the accused was gathered through telephone records and text messages.

Judge Ronald Hendricks on Friday sentenced Blysma to two life sentences for the murders.

"The evidence presented in court by the private investigator confirmed that Bylsma confessed to murdering the two victims while he was accompanying him to the police station. In his statement to the police, presented in court, Bylsma confessed to the murder but pleaded not guilty," adds Mamothame.

A social worker who assessed Bylsma and gave her testimony in court revealed that Bylsma had no history of mental problems, and his upbringing was ‘normal’, with no underlying family or social challenges.

Mamothame further said that during proceedings the accused's defence attorneys pleaded to the court to be lenient to the accused as he was emotionally immature at the time he committed the crime, and also a first-time offender.

"The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mmabatho, Advocate Moipone Noko has welcomed the conviction and commended the prosecution team for a successful prosecution. She further expressed her dismay at the increase of gender based violence and femicide," Mamothame further adds.

Bylsma's sentencing comes amidst the country's commemoration of Women’s Month - which seeks to recognise the plights and achievements of women.

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