18 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND ROBBERY

LIMPOPO – The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 25-year-old Tebatso Salome Mahlakwane to 18 years’ direct imprisonment following a plea and sentence agreement.

In terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, Mahlakwane pleaded guilty to robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. She was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for robbery and 18 years for murder. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 18 years’ direct imprisonment.

On 15 July 2024, Mahlakwane and her accomplices assaulted and robbed 59-year-old Matome Joseph Mahuma at Solomondale. Mahuma died from his injuries. The perpetrators stole his belongings, including an FNB bank card, a Mobicel cellphone and an undisclosed amount of money. His body was found in his home four days later.

Following an investigation, five accused were arrested on 18 December 2024 in an operation conducted by the Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit, with assistance from Tshimollo Security and Captain Phaladi Makola.

The case against the remaining accused—Shaolin Mashao Wilson Malatji, Stokane Flora Mabitsela, Lepai Johnny Tebogo Maboya and Cate Raesetja Maboya—has been postponed to 2 November 2026 for Legal Aid to appoint a judicare attorney.

Ends

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi

Regional Spokesperson: Limpopo Division

National Prosecuting Authority