Daughter sentenced to life after pleading guilty to murder of her father
The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape to life imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, in 2023.
Dr Mehlape was circuit manager at the Limpopo education department
Mehlape, 28, was convicted of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. In addition to life imprisonment for murder, she was sentenced to 15 years for robbery. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said on Wednesday.
The trial of four other accused — Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto, 34, Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane, 34, Mahlodi Melida Mathole, 34, and Michael Sello Molongoane, 42 — was separated from that of Mehlape on Wednesday. They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Their trial was postponed until June 20.
'The court heard that Mehlape, who is the daughter of the deceased, orchestrated the murder following claims made by a traditional healer, Mogotlane, who alleged that her father was responsible for her mother's death through the use of 'muti'.
'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.'
On the night of the incident at her father's home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane, on December 28 2023, the accused unlocked the gate and main door, granting the perpetrators access to the house.
'The deceased was ambushed in his bedroom while asleep, shot multiple times, and robbed of several valuables, including his cellphone.'
In mitigation of sentence, Mehlape apologised to her family and said she was the primary caregiver of her21-month old daughter and had unresolved disputes with her father.
However, state advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that the guilty plea was motivated by overwhelming evidence rather than genuine remorse. She described the murder as 'gruesome and heartless,' urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence.
'The 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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Double life sentence for man who raped and stabbed Northern Cape schoolgirls
A Northern Cape man was sentenced to two life terms and an additional 45 years by the Mothibistad Regional Court. Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E A man involved in a brutal attack on two schoolgirls in a Northern Cape village has been sentenced to two life terms and an additional 45 years in prison. NPA regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that Thabo Gift Magwatane, 33, was handed the hefty sentence by the Mothibistad Regional Court this week for a string of serious offences, including rape, kidnapping, attempted murder and housebreaking. The charges relate to a night of terror in February 2022 in Dithakong village, where two matric learners, aged 17 and 18, were targeted in their residence. Magwatane and three accomplices reportedly forced their way into the house, cut the power, and demanded money and phones. After taking R100 and two cellphones, the attackers escalated their cruelty - forcing the girls to strip, blindfolding them, and leading them out into the veld wearing only sandals. There, the girls were subjected to repeated rape by more than one of the attackers. Their ordeal worsened when they were stabbed multiple times in what appeared to be an attempt to kill them. One girl was stabbed again after briefly regaining consciousness - only pretending to be dead saved her life. 'After the [sexual] assaults, one perpetrator ordered another to stab the victims, who were attacked repeatedly across their upper bodies. As they collapsed, their blindfolds were removed, and the perpetrators fled. When one survivor stood up, the perpetrators returned, stabbing her multiple times with instructions to 'finish her off',' said Senokoatsane. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During this second attack, a cellphone alarm went off - allowing one of the victims, who was feigning death, to catch a glimpse of one of her attackers as he tried to switch it off. She recognised him as her cousin's boyfriend - Magwatane. After the attackers fled, the two survivors lay motionless in the veld for nearly half an hour before mustering the strength to help each other find assistance. Turned away at one home, they pressed on to another, where residents took them in, gave them blankets, and contacted their parents. Both girls were later admitted to the ICU, where they spent three weeks undergoing reconstructive surgery and recovering from their extensive injuries. Magwatane evaded capture for nearly two years before he was finally arrested in Rustenburg in early 2024. He faced multiple charges, including housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, as well as the kidnapping and rape of the 18-year-old victim. He was also charged with kidnapping, rape, and attempted murder of the 17-year-old. A second suspect, 25-year-old Obakeng Mosesane, remains in custody, with his trial scheduled for July 2, 2025. The two cases were separated after Magwatane absconded during the initial proceedings. Trauma, survival, and a fight for justice With Magwatane finally in the dock, the court proceedings laid bare the full horror of the crimes. 'Regional court prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor presented a compelling case, supported by victim impact statements compiled with court preparation officer Beauty Moreeng. These statements detailed the survivors' profound physical and emotional trauma, including their ongoing fear and loss of safety in their own homes. Bronkhorst-Oor argued that the brutality of the crimes and their lasting impact far outweighed Magwatane's circumstances. The Kuruman Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) played a pivotal role, providing psychosocial support and preparing the survivors for court,' said Senokoatsane. The prosecution maintained that there were no substantial or compelling reasons to warrant anything less than the mandatory life sentences for the rape charges. The magistrate concurred, describing the victims' survival as 'by God's grace' and labelling Magwatane a 'dangerous individual' who should be permanently removed from society. Magwatane was sentenced to five years for housebreaking and theft, 10 years each for two counts of kidnapping, and two life terms for the rapes. He also received 10 years each for two counts of attempted murder. All sentences will run concurrently. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm and placed on the National Register for Sex Offenders - further measures to safeguard the public. Senokoatsane said the NPA praised both young women for their courage and determination throughout the trial process. This outcome sends a powerful message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue justice for GBV survivors, ensuring perpetrators face the full might of the law. The expansion of TCCs from 55 in 2020/21 to 66 today reflects the NPA's commitment to providing comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence, he added. Senokoatsane further urged the public to report all gender-based violence and support survivors in seeking help 'The NPA urges communities to stand against GBV by reporting crimes promptly and supporting survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. The survivors' persistence in seeking help, despite initial rejection, and their parents' swift response highlight the critical role of collective action. 'The NPA calls for increased vigilance to protect learners and vulnerable populations, fostering a South Africa where everyone can live free from violence and fear.' Cape Argus
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Business community reels after kidnapping incident: Nelson Mandela Bay's security crisis deepens
On Saturday morning at 6 am, Gqeberha resident Lindsay Knowlden, 65, was kidnapped from the Fresh Produce Market in Markman Industrial Area. While the kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the Nelson Mandela Bay community, frustrated business owners, whose businesses are under threat from protection rackets, have been calling for improved security in that area for more than two years. For the past two years, members of the Markman Business Forum and business owners have been pleading with the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality for improved security infrastructure, more specifically a 300m fence to improve the safety of those who work in the area, spokesperson Graham Taylor said on Sunday. On Saturday, the business community was shocked after Peter and Lindsay Knowlden were attacked in the underground parking at the Fresh Produce Market. Peter Knowlden was assaulted with a firearm and his wife Lindsay was kidnapped. 'We have been battling now for close on two years, and you almost get the feeling that the municipality is trying its best to avoid us,' Taylor said. Taylor said that a meeting had been held earlier this month with acting city manager Ted Pillay and 'some commitments were made'. 'The boundaries of Markman Industria are incredibly porous,' Taylor said. 'Vulnerable' 'We are vulnerable on three sides of the area. We need a 300m fence. That corner where the Fresh Produce Market is has always been a problem,' he said. He said that to the municipality's credit, it had tried to improve the security at the Fresh Produce market and had built a wall around the facility. 'But personally, I have never seen security guards there. The problem is that it remains completely accessible from the back,' Taylor said. He said the area was monitored by private security, but it urgently needed a fence. 'That way we can introduce proper access control.' He said that currently, anybody could enter the area. 'That Addo corridor is a major challenge,' he said, referring to the road that runs from the N2 through Motherwell to Addo. 'We have been having meetings with logistics service providers and industry stakeholders just to address crime,' Taylor said. 'Businesses have the solution, but people need to start listening.' He said that as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the area, the cost of business had shot up. Some businesses now had to pay R300,000 a month for security. 'Protection racket' Taylor said a protection racket was being run in the area, and any vehicle leaving without security would be followed and hijacked, especially those transporting food. 'Demanding protection money has become a trend,' he said. 'People know exactly what is in those vehicles.' Wayne Hart from Atlas Security said they had been called in on Saturday after Lindsay Knowlden was kidnapped, as the couple were clients. 'As you, we are deeply concerned about the kidnapping of Lindsay Knowlden, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning. Atlas Security was first on the scene, and our team responded immediately after being alerted. 'Our control room and teams have been working closely with the local authorities, using our extensive network of CCTV cameras across Nelson Mandela Bay to assist in the investigation. We can confirm that the vehicle involved was flagged, but in the interest of the ongoing investigation, further details cannot be shared at this time. 'We are aware that the Hawks have received a ransom demand for Lindsay's safe return. The case is now in the hands of the Hawks and SAPS, and Atlas Security will continue to cooperate fully with all roleplayers as the investigation unfolds. 'Our thoughts are with Lindsay's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We urge anyone with information to contact SAPS,' Atlas said. SAPS spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed the incident, and that the case had been transferred to the Hawks. The Fresh Produce Market is a Nelson Mandela Bay municipal facility, but by last night, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya had not responded to questions about security measures there. Earlier this month, Sanral construction manager Victor Ngcobo was kidnapped from Addo Road, 3km from the latest abduction. He was released unharmed.
eNCA
12 hours ago
- eNCA
NPA and ID come under fire for lack of progress
NPA headquarters JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption have come under fire for the slow pace at which they deal with cases. The NPA says it's unfair to judge the institution based on a few high-profile cases. As of now, there have been no successful prosecutions in State Capture-linked cases, but the ID says it has a new strategy.
