CARRICK FAVOURITE FOR MAN UTD CARETAKER ROLE. (PHOTO)
The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 28-year-old Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape to life in prison for the murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape. He was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education.
The murder happened on 28 December 2023 at the family home in Mankweng Zone 1, near Polokwane.
Four others, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto, Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane, Mahlodi Melida Mathole, and Michael Sello Molongoane, are also accused. They face charges including conspiracy to murder, robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm. Their trial has been separated and will continue on 20 June 2025.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mehlape planned the murder after a traditional healer, Mogotlane, claimed that her father had used “muthi” (witchcraft) to cause her mother’s death. When traditional revenge methods failed, she allegedly paid R200,000 to hire a hitman, involving some of her relatives.
On the night of the murder, Mehlape opened the gate and main door, allowing the attackers inside. Her father was shot multiple times while sleeping and robbed of his cellphone and other valuables.
Police later seized a Ford Ranger believed to have been used during the crime and recovered a firearm linked to the killing.
In court, Mehlape apologised, saying she was the primary caregiver of her toddler and had unresolved issues with her father. But State Advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo said her guilty plea was due to overwhelming evidence, not true remorse. She described the killing as “gruesome and heartless.”
The court handed down the minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
Comments
Post a Comment