TAUNG COURT HANDS DOWN TWO LIFE SENTENCES PLUS 3 YEARS TO ITIRELENG MURDERER
17 September 2025
TAUNG COURT HANDS DOWN TWO LIFE SENTENCES PLUS 3 YEARS TO ITIRELENG MURDERER
Taung, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of two life terms plus three years’ imprisonment handed down by the Taung Regional Court to Thapelo Innocent Modise (25) of Pampierstad. He was convicted on two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Sentencing was delivered on 16 September 2025. The convictions arise from a brutal incident on 23 May 2023 in Itireleng near Pampierstad.
A state witness testified that she was breastfeeding her 3-year-old child when Modise attacked her grandmother outside. When she went to intervene, he attempted to rape her. As her child cried in fear, Modise grabbed the child and fatally stabbed her. A neighbour, who was visiting at the time, entered the house and was also attacked. Modise stabbed both the neighbour and the child’s mother, then locked them in a bedroom and set it on fire. Tragically, the 3-year-old child and the neighbour died in the blaze, while the child’s mother survived and later testified in court. Modise was arrested on the same day and has remained in custody since. Despite pleading not guilty, Modise was convicted after the State, led by Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa, proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In aggravation of sentence, Mokgopa argued that the accused’s actions were “gruesome, evil, and shocking,” and warranted the harshest penalty. In delivering judgment, Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the prosecution, emphasising that the accused preyed on vulnerable victims who were defenceless and unable to protect themselves.
The court imposed the following sentences: Count 1 (Murder), life imprisonment; Count 2 (Murder), life imprisonment; and Count 3 (Attempted Murder), 3 years’ imprisonment, all of which will run concurrently. Welcoming the judgment, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Prosecutor Mokgopa, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved. She said: “These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.”
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
Cell: 078 172 9367