A YOUNG MAN WAS SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND

06 November 2025

A YOUNG MAN WAS SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND

Middelburg, Mpumalanga – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Delmas has convicted and sentenced Motlalepule Andries Mofokeng (25) to 20 years direct imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Flatha Jane Xaba.

The incident occurred at their home in Mammello Section, Grootvlei, after Mofokeng accused the deceased of stealing old coins he had been collecting to exchange for cash.

The accused and the deceased were in a domestic relationship, and the deceased had access to his room. On 07 August 2024, at around 19:00, Mofokeng noticed that his coins were missing, and there were no signs of forced entry. He suspected that the deceased had taken them. He first went to the deceased’s aunt’s home, where he found her cooking, before later finding her at a nearby tavern and asking her to accompany him home.

Upon their arrival, the accused confronted the deceased about the missing coins. She denied any knowledge of them, which angered him. Mofokeng then strangled her until she became unresponsive. He covered her body with a blanket and slept next to her the entire night. The following morning, he informed his mother about the incident before fleeing. He was arrested a week later following an intensive police investigation.

In court, the accused pleaded guilty in terms of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, admitting that he unlawfully killed the deceased. He also made a formal confession to the police.

To strengthen the State’s case, Advocate Mtsweni highlighted the alarming rise in gender-based violence in South Africa and stressed that the accused had shown no regard for human life. A Victim Impact Statement, compiled by the deceased’s aunt and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Khethiwe Mathebula, was presented in court. The aunt expressed her ongoing grief and described how her life has been deeply affected, stating that she becomes emotional whenever she passes the deceased’s home.

In sentencing, the court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment. Mofokeng was sentenced to 20 years of direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the swift finalisation of this matter and remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide. The NPA continues to prioritise cases involving vulnerable groups and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, and that justice is served for victims and their families. Ends.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625

Cell: 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za