A Limpopo man who stabbed his girlfriend to death in front of his own mother will spend the next 20 years in prison.
The Polokwane High Court sentenced 48 year old Nathaniel Molatelo Mokgehle from Sekonye Village in the Botlokwa policing area for the murder of his girlfriend, 41 year old Mokgadi Julia Mohlaela.
The court heard he chased her out of the house and continued stabbing her until she collapsed and died.
Mokgehle also received six months for malicious damage to property. The sentence will run at the same time as the 20 year murder sentence.
Evidence presented in court showed the victim had previously opened a malicious damage to property case against him. He was still attending court for that case when the murder happened.
The attack happened on 08 June 2025 around 16:00 at his mother’s home in Sekonye Village.
Mohlaela had gone there to speak with his mother about ending the relationship because of alleged abuse.
During the confrontation, Mokgehle pulled out a knife and began stabbing her. She tried to escape but he chased her outside and continued the attack.
His mother attempted to stop him but failed. She called community members for help, but the victim had already died from her injuries.
Emergency services later arrived and confirmed her death at the scene.
After the killing, the suspect fled.
The investigating officer, Sergeant Vhusani Eric Tshihanyise from the Botlokwa Detectives, launched a manhunt with help from the community.
Later that night Mokgehle contacted the officer saying he wanted to surrender but feared retaliation from residents. Police arranged for him to hand himself over safely and he was arrested.
He first appeared in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 09 June 2025. Bail was opposed and he remained in custody.
The case was later transferred to the Polokwane High Court where the trial began on 02 March 2026 and ended on 04 March 2026 with a conviction and sentencing.
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