The Polokwane High Court has sentenced a 47 year old Nathaniel Molatelo Mokgehle from Sekonye Village in Botlokwa to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of then girlfriend, 41 year old Mokgadi Julia Mohlaela on Wednesday.
The accused was also sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for malicious damage to property, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.
In the fall of 08 June 2025, Mokgadi was relaxing at her mother’s house after ending a toxic relationship with Mokgehle. She was relieved after opening a case against him for malicious damage to property. At the time, he was out on bail attending the case at Morebeng magistrate court.
Mokgadi and her mother were ambushed around 16:00 hours in the afternoon by Mokgehle who was armed with a sharp knife.
According to the limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba Mokgadi tried to flee, however her speed was too not speed enough to save her life. He caught up with her and stabbed her until she collapsed to the ground.
During the confrontation, the accused produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed the victim. She attempted to flee the house, but the accused chased after her and continued stabbing her until she collapsed to the ground. Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene and certified her dead.
The accused made his first court appearance before the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 09 June 2025. His bail application was opposed, and he remained in custody. The matter was later transferred to the Polokwane High Court, where the trial commenced on 02 March 2026 and concluded on 04 March 2026, resulting in the conviction and sentencing.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the investigating officer for the diligent investigation that ensured justice for Mohlaela family.