TWO DECADES IN JAIL FOR BRUTAL MURDER!

The 48-year-old Nathaniel Molatelo Mokgehle will see the light of day freely at the age of 68!

The murderer from Sekonye Village in the Botlokwa policing area was sentenced to an effective 20-years in jail by the Polokwane High Court for killing his girlfriend.

Mokgehle was convicted for the killing of Mokgadi Julia Mohlaela (41), following a violent attack that took place in June 2025.

In addition to the murder sentence, Mokgehle received a further six months’ imprisonment for malicious damage to property, with the court ordering that the sentences run concurrently.

During court proceedings, it emerged that the victim had previously opened a case of malicious damage to property against Mokgehle.

At the time Mohlaela was killed, the accused was still appearing in court in connection with that matter.

The court heard that the incident occurred on 8 June 2025 at about 16:00 at the home of the accused’s mother in Sekonye Village.

Mohlaela had gone to the residence to speak to the accused’s mother about her decision to end the relationship, citing allegations of abuse.

While the discussion was taking place, Mokgehle allegedly became confrontational and produced a knife, stabbing Mohlaela multiple times. The victim tried to escape from the house, but the accused pursued her and continued the attack until she collapsed.

The accused’s mother attempted to intervene but was unable to stop the assault.

She then called on community members for help. By the time assistance arrived, the victim had already succumbed to her injuries.

Emergency Medical Services later arrived at the scene and certified Mohlaela dead.

Following the attack, Mokgehle fled the scene, prompting an immediate manhunt.

Sergeant Vhusani Eric Tshihanyise of the Botlokwa Detectives, who led the investigation, worked with community members to track down the suspect.

Later that same evening, Mokgehle contacted the investigating officer and indicated that he wished to surrender but feared retaliation from community members.

Arrangements were made for him to hand himself over safely, after which he was formally arrested.

He made his first appearance in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 9 June 2025, where his bail application was successfully opposed and he remained in custody.

The case was later transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where the trial began on 2 March 2026 and concluded on 4 March 2026, resulting in Mokgehle’s conviction and sentencing.

The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating officer for his thorough work in ensuring that justice was served for the victim and her family.