06/03/2026
The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Nathaniel Molatelo Mokgehle (48) of Sekonye Village in the Botlokwa policing area to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Mokgadi Julia Mohlaela (41).
The accused was also sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for malicious damage to property, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.
The court heard 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 attending court proceedings related to that case.
The fatal incident occurred on 08 June 2025 at approximately 16:00, at the accused’s mother’s residence in Sekonye Village. The deceased was at the house speaking to the accused’s mother about ending the relationship due to alleged abuse.
During the confrontation, the accused produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed the victim. She attempted to flee the house, but the accused chased after her and continued stabbing her until she collapsed. The accused’s mother attempted to intervene but was unable to stop the attack and called community members for assistance. Unfortunately, the victim had already succumbed to her injuries.
Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene and certified the victim dead.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene. The investigating officer, Sergeant Vhusani Eric Tshihanyise of the Botlokwa Detectives, immediately launched a manhunt with the assistance of the community.
Later that night, the suspect contacted the investigating officer indicating that he wished to surrender but feared retaliation from community members. Arrangements were made for him to safely hand himself over, and he was subsequently arrested.
The accused made his first court appearance before the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 09 June 2025. His bail application was opposed, and he remained in custody. The matter was later transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where the trial commenced on 02 March 2026 and concluded on 04 March 2026, resulting in the conviction and .
The South African Police Service Website