MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERING HIS PARTNER
29 October 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERING HIS PARTNER
Kathu, Northern Cape – The High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division (sitting as the Kgalagadi Circuit Court in Kathu), has today sentenced Thabiso Joel Sekamoeng (39) to 25 years’ imprisonment for the murder of his partner, Lorato Cathrine Ntaolang (33). The offence occurred at their home in Dithakong Village, Bothithong, on 11 January 2025. The matter was prosecuted by Advocate Terche Engelbrecht on behalf of the State, while the accused was represented by Legal Aid South Africa (Kimberley).
Sekamoeng pleaded guilty in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, admitting that he fatally assaulted the deceased with a garden spade and a torch during an argument. He acknowledged acting with dolus eventualis, recognising the wrongfulness of his conduct and the likelihood that his actions could cause her death. The couple had been in a domestic relationship since 2018 and had three children together. Their relationship became strained after the death of their firstborn child in 2021. On the night of the incident, an argument ensued over the deceased’s intention to visit a tavern.
During the altercation, the accused struck her several times, first with a torch and later with a garden spade, causing fatal head injuries. He subsequently informed family members of the incident and surrendered himself to the police. In imposing the sentence, the Court considered both aggravating and mitigating factors.
Aggravating factors included: The victim’s death at the hands of her intimate partner, who had a duty to protect her. The crime occurred in the victim’s home, a place where she should have felt safe. The prevalence of gender-based violence and domestic murders in South Africa. Mitigating factors included: The accused’s guilty plea and acceptance of full responsibility, His remorse and cooperation with law enforcement, The absence of premeditation, as the murder occurred in the heat of an argument, The resolution through a Section 105A plea, which spared the court and the State the cost and time of a full trial and His personal circumstances, including his age, family responsibilities, and lack of previous convictions. The Court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.
The State emphasised that gender-based violence remains a national priority, and that the NPA in the Northern Cape remains committed to prosecuting such offences decisively and without fear or favour.
This conviction and sentence underscore the NPA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes, particularly murder and femicide, are held accountable and punished appropriately.
The NPA reiterates that every life is precious and that all people have the right to live free from violence. The successful prosecution of this matter reflects the close collaboration between the NPA, law enforcement, and the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice to victims and their families.
The NPA remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, ensuring that those who commit serious crimes face the full consequences of their actions, and reaffirming society’s shared respect for the sanctity of life.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539