FAMILY MEMBER SENTENCED TO 35 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT
10 September 2025
FAMILY MEMBER SENTENCED TO 35 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT
Lenyenye, Limpopo – The Lenyenye Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Isaac Robert Molewa (40) of Mareroni village, Ga-Modjadji, to a total of 35 years’ imprisonment for serious violent crimes committed against his own family member. Molewa was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder, and 5 years’ imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence.
The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Although Molewa pleaded not guilty, the State successfully led evidence showing that on 15 June 2019, he broke into the home of his aunt, where he found his 13-year-old cousin. He then stabbed her multiple times, leaving her with life-threatening injuries, before robbing her of personal belongings, including cellphones and a DStv decoder. He was later arrested following a police investigation.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Pearl Ledwaba argued that Molewa had betrayed his duty to protect his young relative, instead inflicting brutal harm on a defenceless minor in her own home. The State submitted that the crime was particularly heinous, and that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The NPA has welcomed the sentence of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga emphasised that the NPA prosecutes hundreds of similar matters daily to uphold the safety and well-being of communities and to ensure justice for victims of crime. She further commended Mrs. Ledwaba and all stakeholders involved in securing this conviction.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
074 823 3608