MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR PREMADITATED MUDER

27 JUNE 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR PREMADITATED MUDER

Taung, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Taung Regional Court to Simon Kesetsi Molale (21) of Lokgabeng Village. Molale was convicted of premediated murder of his partner Rethabile Medichane (21). The conviction relates to an incident that occurred on 12 August 2024, when Molale and his girlfriend attended a function at his aunt’s place. On the evening of that day, they both left function and went home together.

On their way home, Medichane informed Molale that she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him. The accused got furious, went to a nearby house and borrowed a knife, he attacked the deceased, stabbing her and inflicting twenty-two wounds. After the brutal attack, he fled the scene. He was subsequently arrested and was denied bail.

Molale pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of the sentence, State Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa submitted Victim Impact Statements (VIS) from the mother of the deceased, which was facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Molebogeng Oliphant, emphasizing the devastating impact of the crime. She argued that gender-based violence is a pandemic in our country and urged the court to pass a sentence which is deterrent in nature to show that the courts will not tolerate such violent crimes. The magistrate Bhuti Zulu concurred that no substantial or compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence, leading to the imposition of life imprisonment.

Welcoming the verdict, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and prosecution teams. The DPP said these sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring that justice is served.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer- North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
Email: sgunya@npa.gov.za
Cell: 078 172 9367