NPA WELCOMES 18-YEAR IMPRISONMENT SENTENCE FOR MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of 18 years' direct imprisonment imposed by the Polokwane High Court on Makgoba Humphrey Malale (37) for the murder of his girlfriend, Mosibudi Valencia Mashumu. The court further declared Malale unfit to possess a firearm.

The conviction and sentence followed a plea and sentence agreement entered into between the State and the defence in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. In terms of the agreement, Malale admitted that on 14 February 2025, at Kanana Village in Ga-Sekororo, he assaulted Mashumu by slapping her and repeatedly striking her head against a wall until she lost consciousness and collapsed. During the early hours of 15 February 2025, he realised that she had died, covered her body with a blanket, and fled the scene.

Mashumu's body was discovered three days later in an advanced state of decomposition. Following a thorough police investigation, Malale was arrested in October 2025.

During sentencing proceedings, State Advocate Themba Mavundza submitted that murder is a serious and prevalent offence that deprives families of their loved ones and causes lasting trauma. The State further argued that the matter falls within the broader scourge of gender-based violence, which continues to affect communities across the country.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga, stated: "This sentence sends a clear message to society that perpetrators of violence against women will be held fully accountable for their actions."

Adv Thenga further commended Advocate Mavundza and the Investigating Officer, Captain Phaladi Makola, for their diligent work in securing the successful prosecution of the matter.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against women are brought to justice. The sentence reflects the criminal justice system's determination to hold offenders accountable and to secure justice for victims and their families.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi

Regional Spokesperson

Limpopo Division

National Prosecuting Authority