Third accused sentenced to 17 years for murder of former education executive

A 45-year-old woman has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison for the murder of former Department of Education executive Dr Malekutu Mehlape at his home in Mankweng, Limpopo, in December 2023.

Mahlodi Mathole was sentenced by the Polokwane High Court to 25 years' imprisonment, with eight years suspended for five years, resulting in an effective 17-year sentence.

Mathole pleaded guilty to murder and entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The court also declared her unfit to possess a firearm.

Mehlape was attacked at his home in Mankweng Zone 1 on 28 December 2023. His cellphone and an undisclosed amount of money were stolen during the incident.

A murder case was initially opened at Mankweng Police Station before the investigation was transferred to the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Investigation Unit. Sergeant Chuene Mokwele was assigned as the investigating officer.

According to police, investigative work and intelligence-driven operations by the Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit led to the arrest of five suspects. The State successfully opposed their bail applications.

Mathole is the third accused to be convicted and sentenced in connection with Mehlape's murder.

Mehlape's daughter, Mologadi Mehlape, was previously sentenced to life imprisonment, while traditional healer Hlologelo Mogotlane received a 20-year prison sentence.

The cases against the remaining accused, Daniel Molongwana and Tshepo Ranoto, are still before court. Their matter has been postponed to 2 November 2026 for trial.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers welcomed Mathole's sentence and commended investigators for their persistence.

He said the sentence demonstrated that police would continue pursuing justice for victims of violent crime, regardless of the complexity of investigations.

Scheepers also said SAPS Limpopo would continue supporting the criminal justice process until all the remaining accused had their day in court.