TWO MALE ACCUSED SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND RAPE CHARGES AT LEPHALALE MAGISTRATE COURT
The Lephalale High Court has sentenced two male accused to life imprisonment for the murder of an 83-year-old male victim in Shongoane One, with one of the accused receiving an additional life sentence for rape.
Limpopo Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said both accused were convicted and sentenced on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, Christmas Monyeki (41) and Today Mabula (43) on the following counts:
Count one (1): Murder – Both accused were sentenced to life imprisonment. Count two (02): Rape – Monyeki was sentenced to a further life imprisonment.
The court ordered that the sentences for Monyeki run concurrently, and his name has also been registered on the National Sexual Offenders Register.
The case stems from an incident on 05 September 2018 when police were called to a murder scene in Leswaneng Section, Shongoane One. On arrival found the lifeless body of an 83-year-old male victim lying on a bed.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) declared him dead after he was strangled to death, and as confirmed by a forensic pathology postmortem following further investigations.
A murder case was opened and assigned to Sergeant Manyaapela Molekoa, attached to the Villa Nora Detectives Unit. Through diligent investigation, Molekoa traced and arrested both male suspects the following day on 06 September 2018.
After appearing multiple times at court, both accused were later released on R1000.00 bail. While out on bail, Monyeki committed a separate rape against a 13-year-old female victim in the same precinct in February 2019. He later was re-arrested and remained in custody until the finalization of the case.
Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, thanked Sergeant Manyaapela Molekoa for the sterling investigative work executed until its finality.
“These life sentences send a clear message that those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law. Police will remain committed to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes and protecting vulnerable members of our communities,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
