MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS PARTNER
05 August 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS PARTNER
Taung, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Taung Regional Court to Kabelo Ishmael Mogongwa (48) for the murder of his intimate partner, Tsholofelo Juliet Emphokile (38). He was also sentenced to an additional five years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 02 February 2024 in Khibitswane village, where Mogongwa and Emphokile had returned from a local tavern after consuming alcohol. Upon arriving at the accused’s residence, an altercation ensued, during which Mogongwa became aggressive towards the deceased.
A witness, the accused's nephew, testified that the couple locked themselves in a room and continued arguing. Moments later, he heard a gunshot coming from the room. Fearing for his life, the nephew fled to seek help from neighbours. Upon their arrival, Emphokile's lifeless body was discovered in the room, having sustained gunshot wounds.
Police were called to the scene, and Mogongwa was arrested the following day. He was denied bail and has remained in custody since.
Mogongwa pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, during sentencing, State Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa argued that the court should impose a life sentence, stating that no substantial or compelling circumstances had been presented by the defence to warrant a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
In delivering judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Bhuti Zulu highlighted the accused’s lack of remorse and confirmed that there were no valid reasons to depart from the mandatory sentence. He further emphasised the court’s duty to protect victims and deliver strong messages of deterrence for crimes of this nature.
Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and commended Prosecutor Mokgopa and the investigative team for their dedication. She reaffirmed the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence, stating: “The NPA will continue to ensure that justice is served and that violent crimes will not be tolerated.”
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367