TRADITIONAL HEALER PLEADS GUILTY TO THE MURDER OF DR MEHLAPE
16 FEBRUARY 2026
TRADITIONAL HEALER PLEADS GUILTY TO THE MURDER OF DR MEHLAPE
Polokwane – The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane (36) after he pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, who was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education. The incident occurred on 28 December 2023 at the deceased’s home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane. Mogotlane pleaded guilty in terms of section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 as ammended. The court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder and 13 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The court further ordered the accused unfit to possess a firearm.
Three others accused, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34) and Michael Sello Molongoane (42) appeared alongside Mogotlane. They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 02-13 November 2026 in the Polokwane High Court.
The court heard that Mologadi Mehlape, consulted the traditional healer, Mogotlane regarding the death of her mother. The accused alleged that her father was responsible for her mother's death through the use of "muthi". When attempts to retaliate using traditional means failed, Mehlape enlisted the help of various family members to hire a contract killer, agreeing to pay R200,000 for the murder. In his plea, Mogotlane acknowledged that his conduct was unlawful and that he should have disengaged and reported the matter to the police. He also accepted his responsibility for his role in the offences to cause the death of Dr Mehlape.
The court remarked that the community expect it to punish the accused for his wrongdoings. The sentence must be deterrent to would be offenders. The accused is the instigator as he told the deceased’s child that her mother was poisoned and the results of his prediction led us to where we are today. The court concluded by saying that the deceased died for nothing and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder and 13 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and life sentence, viewing it as a clear affirmation of the justice system’s resolve to hold perpetrators of serious and violent crimes accountable. This outcome underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and securing justice for victims and their families. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga commended the good work done by advocate Ratshibvumo and Limpopo Provincial Investigation Unit led by colonel Richard Boshomane.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mashudu Malabi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
074 823 3603 / 015 045 0286