A 48-year-old man from Sekonye Village in the Botlokwa policing area has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend. The Polokwane High Court sentenced Nathaniel Molatelo Mokgehle for killing Mokgadi Julia Mohlaela (41).

He was also sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for malicious damage to property, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. Police said the attack happened on 8 June 2025 at about 4pm at the accused’s mother’s house in Sekonye Village.

Mohlaela had gone to the house to speak to the accused’s mother about ending her relationship with Mokgehle because of alleged abuse. During the confrontation, Mokgehle produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed her.

She tried to run out of the house, but he chased her and continued stabbing her until she collapsed.

The accused’s mother attempted to intervene but was unable to stop the attack. She called community members for help, but Mohlaela had already died from her injuries.

Emergency medical services arrived at the scene and confirmed her death.

Police said Mokgehle fled after the attack. Sergeant Vhusani Eric Tshihanyise of the Botlokwa Detectives launched a manhunt with the help of community members.

Later that night, Mokgehle contacted the investigating officer and said he wanted to surrender but feared retaliation from community members. Arrangements were made for him to safely hand himself over, and he was arrested.

He first appeared in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 9 June 2025. His bail application was opposed and he remained in custody. The matter was later transferred to the Polokwane High Court.

The trial began on 2 March 2026 and concluded on 4 March 2026 with his conviction and sentencing.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the sentence sends a strong message against gender-based violence.

“This conviction demonstrates that the justice system will not tolerate acts of violence against women. We commend the investigating officer for his dedication in ensuring that justice was served,” said Ledwaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, also praised the investigating officer for ensuring that justice was served for the victim.

A 48-year-old man from Sekonye Village in the Botlokwa policing area has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend. The Polokwane High Court sentenced Nathaniel Molatelo Mokgehle for killing Mokgadi Julia Mohlaela (41).

He was also sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for malicious damage to property, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. Police said the attack happened on 8 June 2025 at about 4pm at the accused’s mother’s house in Sekonye Village.

Mohlaela had gone to the house to speak to the accused’s mother about ending her relationship with Mokgehle because of alleged abuse. During the confrontation, Mokgehle produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed her.

She tried to run out of the house, but he chased her and continued stabbing her until she collapsed.

The accused’s mother attempted to intervene but was unable to stop the attack. She called community members for help, but Mohlaela had already died from her injuries.

Emergency medical services arrived at the scene and confirmed her death.

Police said Mokgehle fled after the attack. Sergeant Vhusani Eric Tshihanyise of the Botlokwa Detectives launched a manhunt with the help of community members.

Later that night, Mokgehle contacted the investigating officer and said he wanted to surrender but feared retaliation from community members. Arrangements were made for him to safely hand himself over, and he was arrested.

He first appeared in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 9 June 2025. His bail application was opposed and he remained in custody. The matter was later transferred to the Polokwane High Court.

The trial began on 2 March 2026 and concluded on 4 March 2026 with his conviction and sentencing.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the sentence sends a strong message against gender-based violence.

“This conviction demonstrates that the justice system will not tolerate acts of violence against women. We commend the investigating officer for his dedication in ensuring that justice was served,” said Ledwaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, also praised the investigating officer for ensuring that justice was served for the victim.