LIFE SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO BRUTAL MURDERER
04 SEPTEMBER 2025
LIFE SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO BRUTAL MURDERER
Mokopane, Limpopo – The Mokopane Regional Court has sentenced Vincent Lesiba Molatudi (37) from Mshongoville village to life imprisonment for murder. His co-accused, Karabo Johannes Mabalela (31), was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Both accused pleaded not guilty. However, the State led compelling witness testimony that on 29 October 2023 in Mogotlane, Zebediela, the deceased, Jan Kgothatso Makgoba (21), was asleep with his partner when he heard voices calling his name. He attempted to hide in another room, but Molatudi kicked the door open, found him, and stabbed him once with a knife before assaulting him further with an iron rod and a chain. Makgoba succumbed to his injuries. During the incident, another person who witnessed the attack was struck with an iron rod by Mabalela. The matter was reported to the police, leading to the swift arrest of the accused.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Christina Diboleng Rakoma argued that the deceased was brutally killed in his own home, a place where he should have felt safe. She emphasised that the accused violated the deceased’s rights to privacy and dignity, and that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The NPA welcomes the outcome. Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga stated: “It can never be overemphasised how important human life is. We will be vigorous in our pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers. ”She also commended the dedication and work of Mrs Rakoma and Constable Nchabeleng of Moletlane Police Station.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
074 823 3603