LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN WHO ATTEMPTED TO MURDER GIRLFRIEND’S MOTHER

30 JUNE 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN WHO ATTEMPTED TO MURDER GIRLFRIEND’S MOTHER

Limpopo, South Africa – The Louis Trichardt Regional Court has convicted and sentenced 43-year-old Tambudzeni Justice Maphari of Madodonga village to life imprisonment for the attempted murder of his girlfriend’s mother. Maphari pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, the court heard compelling evidence that on 15 June 2023, the victim was at home with her daughter, who had returned home after fleeing an abusive relationship with the accused. During the conversation, Maphari entered the house and threatened to kill the mother. He then grabbed a knife from the table and stabbed the victim in the neck while she was carrying a baby on her back. Both fell to the ground, and the accused continued stabbing her in the back and spinal cord until she lost consciousness.

The victim’s son found her lying in a pool of blood and immediately called for an ambulance. Maphari fled the village but was later traced and arrested by Tshilwavhusiku police officers in Gauteng. A medical expert testified that the victim sustained life-altering injuries, including a permanent disability that rendered her unable to work. She remained in the hospital for three months, recovering from the brutal attack.

In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Tshilidzi Rose Mugeri argued that gender-based violence has no place in society and must attract the harshest possible penalties. She emphasised that the victim was attacked in her own home, a space where she had every right to feel safe. The prosecutor also pointed out that the accused had shown no remorse and had five previous convictions for assault and domestic violence. The court concurred with the State, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to impose a lesser sentence and sentenced Maphari to life imprisonment for attempted murder.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentence handed down to Tambudzeni Justice Maphari for the brutal attempted murder of his girlfriend’s mother. The accused demonstrated a clear intent to kill by attacking the victim with a deadly weapon and inflicting life-threatening injuries. This outcome underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats gender-based and domestic violence, sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, commended the prosecution team and Sergeant Mulaudzi of the Tshilwavhusiku Police Station for their dedication, and expressed hope that the sentence would deter would-be offenders.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Limpopo Division
Email: mmalabi@npa.gov.za
Cell: 074 823 3603