CAPRICORN FM say they will not can their match-making show, TC , which is aired on Sundays, despite a man having been convicted of killing two women he met through the programme.

Kabelo Rodney Maake was sentenced to three life terms this week for killing three women, two of whom he met through the Limpopo private radio station.

Maake lured the two Polokwane women by calling into the show and promising to be their knight in shining armour.

Catherine Morema and Millicent Rachuene were killed between June and November 2010 after having met Maake through the show. Sinah Rasebotsa was the third victim but did not meet the murderer through the radio programme.

For Maake, the trap was as easy as calling the radio station, saying he was looking for love and then giving out his cellphone numbers on air.

The station's programmes manager Jos Ncube says the programme is not going to be discontinued because of "one sick individual".

"We cannot can that segment of the show because it serves a necessary social purpose.

"And we have always warned people to use their discretion for their own safety because dating on air is like Internet banking. The convenience is sweet but the risks are high. But at the same time, we can't go back to the days of bank books just because of the risks. We will therefore not deprive responsible listeners of a chance at love because one wolf pretended to be looking for love when he was looking for blood," Ncube said.

Asked whether the station would at least consider screening participants, Ncube said the station did not have facilities to do so.

"The show is live and you can imagine how such technicalities can stunt the show's element of unpredictability.

"Let us not kill radio because of crime. Let's just be mindful of meeting strangers on our own in unfamiliar surroundings."

A similar segment is also featured on the popular Metro FM show, Sounds and Stuff Like That, presented by Wilson B Nkosi. Listeners call to give their profiles as well as their contact details on air for a reaction from interested parties.

Metro FM did not respond to questions on whether the murders would make them reconsider the programme.

Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa's (BCCSA) Kim Erentzen says the organisation only responds to a complaint if it is reported within 14 days after a programme was broadcast.

The Independent Communication Authority of SA says content is the prerogative of each radio station.

Spokesman Paseka Maleka said: "Listeners need to call BCCSA if they have a problem or concerns with a programme or its content. Icasa will only get involved in such matters if a complaint has been made with BCCSA or when the station broadcasts offensive material."

• ngudlea@sundayworld.co.za; or Twitter @Amandan777