LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR FREE STATE MAN WHO MURDERED LOCAL SCHOOL TEACHER
22 October 2025
LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR FREE STATE MAN WHO MURDERED LOCAL SCHOOL TEACHER
Dealsville, Free State – The Regional Court sitting in Dealsville, Free State, has sentenced Itumeleng Mokoena (24) to life imprisonment for the murder of local schoolteacher Mosiwa Tshabagae (42). Mokoena was further sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 3 years for housebreaking, with the court ordering that the sentences run concurrently, effectively resulting in a life term.
The court heard that on the evening of 21 September 2024, Mokoena broke into the home of the deceased in Dealsville. When Tshabagae confronted him, Mokoena attacked and strangled him before stabbing him multiple times in the neck, causing fatal injuries. He then ransacked the house and stole several items belonging to the deceased, including clothes and a laptop. The following day, friends of the deceased spotted Mokoena in town wearing the victim’s clothes. They immediately alerted the police, who swiftly apprehended the accused and recovered the stolen laptop in his possession. Mokoena subsequently made a full confession to the police and conducted a pointing out of the crime scene.
On 20 October 2025, Mokoena pleaded guilty to all charges of housebreaking, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and murder. During sentencing, a family member of the deceased delivered an emotional testimony describing the deep emotional and social impact the brutal murder had on their family and the local community. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Free State welcomed the sentence, commending the excellent collaboration between investigators, the prosecution team led by Regional Court Prosecutor Leon Ehlers, and community members that ensured justice was served. This sentence sends a strong message that senseless acts of violence, particularly against members of our community who serve and uplift others, will be met with the full might of the law.
The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable and that justice continues to prevail for victims and their families. It can never be overemphasised how important human life is; therefore, we will continue to be vigorous in our pursuit of justice to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539