FORMER POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF HIS WIFE
06 October 2025
FORMER POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF HIS WIFE
Polokwane, Limpopo – The Limpopo High Court sitting in Polokwane has convicted and sentenced former police officer, Mmachoene Jeffrey Ntjana (53), from Seshego Zone 8, to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Mmatlou Millicent Ntjana. In addition, Ntjana was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice, five years’ imprisonment for contravention of the Firearms Control Act, and three years’ imprisonment for the unlawful discharge of a firearm. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Ntjana pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court heard that he and his wife were separated and no longer living together. On 12 October 2022, Ntjana went to his wife’s home in Seshego Zone 8, where an argument ensued. He then went to his vehicle to fetch his service firearm. Upon returning, he found that his wife had locked herself in the bedroom. He forced his way in, shot her, and fled the scene. She succumbed to her injuries. The matter was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation. Ntjana handed himself over to the Mogwadi Police Station five days after the incident, where he was immediately arrested.
In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Moses Mohale argued that the accused, as a former police officer, had acted in complete violation of his oath to serve and protect South Africans, including his late wife, whom he instead killed using a firearm entrusted to him for protection. The State further submitted that the accused showed no remorse and that the court should recognise that femicide is endemic in South Africa and must be met with firm and deterrent sentences.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed. The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga commended the outstanding work of Adv. Mohale and IPID, noting that the NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of cases daily that impact the safety and well-being of communities, ensuring that justice is served for victims of crime.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
Regional Spokesperson – Limpopo Division
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
074 823 3603