Woman jailed for life after killing her father she believed used 'muthi' to kill her mother
IOL Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape pleaded guilty to the murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, Picture: NPA
A 28-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to killing her father because she believed he was responsible for the death of her mother has been jailed to life imprisonment.
Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape was sentenced in the Polokwane High Court on Wednesday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said despite Mehlape's guilty plea, the court imposed the prescribed minimum sentence because the State believed the guilty plea was motivated by overwhelming evidence rather than genuine remorse.
Mehlape killed her father Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, who was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education on December 28, 2023.
The NPA Mehlape orchestrated the murder following claims made by a traditional healer, who 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," explained NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
The court heard that on the night of the murder Mehlape unlocked the gate and main door, granting the perpetrators access to the house.
Malekutu was ambushed in his bedroom while asleep, shot multiple times, and robbed of several valuables, including his cellphone.
A Ford Ranger double cab believed to have been used during the crime was seized during the arrests in Mankweng, and a firearm allegedly used in the killing was recovered during an arrest in Zebediela.
Four others were also arrested in connection with the murder including traditional healer Mahlodi Melida Mathole, 34.
The other three accused are Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto, Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane, both 34, and Michael Sello Molongoane,42.
Their trials have been separated and expected to appear in court on June 20, 2025 for trial.
They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
In mitigation, Mehlape apologised to her family, noting that she is the primary caregiver of her toddler daughter and had unresolved disputes with her father.
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