BOTLOKWA MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR MURDERING GIRLFRIEND

POLOKWANE | The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 48-year-old Nathaniel Molatelo Mokgehle from Sekonye Village in the Botlokwa policing area to 20 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Mokgadi Julia Mohlaela, 41.

The court heard that the incident occurred on 08 June 2025 at around 16:00 at the accused’s mother’s home in Sekonye Village. The victim was at the house speaking with the accused’s mother about ending her relationship with the accused due to alleged abuse.

During the confrontation, the accused reportedly produced a knife and stabbed the victim several times. She attempted to run away from the house, but he chased after her and continued stabbing her until she collapsed. The accused’s mother tried to stop the attack and called for help from community members, but the victim had already succumbed to her injuries.

Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene and declared her dead.

After the attack, the suspect fled the scene. The investigating officer, Sergeant Vhusani Eric Tshihanyise from the Botlokwa Detectives, launched a manhunt with the help of community members.

Later the same night, Mokgehle contacted the investigating officer and said he wanted to surrender but feared retaliation from the community. Arrangements were made for him to hand himself over safely and he was arrested.

He appeared before the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 09 June 2025 where his bail application was opposed and he remained in custody. The case was later transferred to the Polokwane High Court. The trial started on 02 March 2026 and ended on 04 March 2026 with his conviction and sentencing.

The court learned that the victim had previously opened a case of malicious damage to property against the accused. At the time of the murder, the accused was still appearing in court in connection with that case.

In addition to the 20-year sentence for murder, Mokgehle was sentenced to six months in prison for malicious damage to property. The sentences will run at the same time.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating officer for his work in ensuring justice for the victim.

Compiled by Shalom Kubayi for Perfect Radio News

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