12/11/2025
TAKUME MOTSHEKGA SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS PLUS 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER, INCLUDING THE MURDER OF HIS WIFE
12 November 2025
BOLOBEDU: The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Takume Edmond Motshekga (37) to two life terms plus 15 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The court heard that on the evening of 01 January 2022, in Kuranta village, Motshekga had a heated argument over the phone with his wife, Constable Mahlatse Precious Machubeni, who was stationed at Mokwakwaila SAPS. Later that evening, Motshekga requested his wife’s cousin, Pontsho Sekumane, to accompany him to fetch her from a friend’s house.
When they arrived, another argument broke out between the accused and his wife, which escalated into violence. Motshekga fatally shot his wife, the mother of his children, before demanding the car keys from Sekumane. When Sekumane refused, Motshekga shot and killed him as well. He then took the vehicle and fled the scene. On his way, Motshekga encountered Louis Makhurupetji and another victim, whom he shot at, killing Makhurupetji and injuring the other occupant. After the shooting spree, the accused drove to Giyani Police Station, where he handed himself over to the police.
Despite denying the murders and claiming provocation by his wife, Motshekga was convicted based on overwhelming evidence, including forensic findings that detailed the fatal injuries sustained by the victims. In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Nkhetheni Munyai highlighted the premeditated and violent nature of the offences, noting that Motshekga’s actions were driven by jealousy and a clear disregard for human life.
In sentencing, Judge Jane Ngobeni remarked: “If the deceased knew that you were going to kill her, she would not have accepted your proposal.” The court imposed two life sentences and 15 years’ imprisonment for the third count of murder. All sentences will run concurrently.
Welcoming the judgment, Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, said: “This verdict demonstrates that violent crimes, particularly those committed against vulnerable victims, will not be tolerated. We commend the bravery of the survivor whose testimony was vital in securing this conviction, as well as the SAPS investigating officer, Warrant Officer Doit Malebe, and the prosecution team for their diligent work.”
-BDN
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