MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DOUBLE MURDER
22 July 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DOUBLE MURDER
Tlhabane, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of 25 years of direct imprisonment handed down by the Tlhabane Regional Court to Philani Daka (31), following his conviction on two counts of murder. Daka was found guilty of the brutal killings of his girlfriend, Lebogang Mokwena (37), and her mother, Msesi Mokwena (73), at Lefaragatlha Village on 14 January 2024.
He was sentenced as follows: 20 years for the murder of his girlfriend, 10 years for the murder of her mother, and 5 years to run concurrently with the 20-year sentence, resulting in an effective 25 years of direct imprisonment. On the day of the incident, Daka visited the home of his girlfriend, where an argument ensued. During the altercation, he took a knife and repeatedly stabbed Lebogang. When her mother, Msesi, attempted to intervene, he turned the weapon on her, stabbing her several times before fleeing the scene. The horrific act unfolded in the presence of Lebogang’s 14-year-old son, who was at home at the time.
Daka evaded arrest for months before being traced and taken into custody. He has remained in detention since. Upon arrest, he pleaded guilty to both counts and confessed to the crimes.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli argued that Daka’s plea and confession were not mitigating factors. He emphasised the gravity of gender-based violence in South Africa and the need for the courts to impose stern sentences to deter such crimes. The court also considered a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Kenosi Pako, in which Lebogang’s son detailed the emotional trauma and devastation caused by the loss of his mother and grandmother.
In handing down the sentence, the magistrate described Daka’s actions as cruel, inhumane, and barbaric, stating that he had violated the victims’ constitutional right to life. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that the family of the victims be consulted before any parole consideration is made.
Welcoming the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended both the prosecution and investigative teams for their diligence and dedication. She reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer – North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367