Daughter was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of her own father in Limpopo

The Polokwane High Court on Wednesday sentenced Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape(28) to life imprisonment after she pleaded guilty on orchestrating the murder of her own father Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape on 28 December 2023 in Mankweng,outside Polokwane. 

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi,NPA Regional Spokesperson in Limpopo said the Polokwane High Court has convicted Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape(28) after she pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of her father,Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape,who was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education.The incident occurred on 28 December 2023 at the deceased's home in Mankweng Zone 1,outside Polokwane.

Mashudu highlighted that Mehlape was convicted in terms of section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.The court sentenced her to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years' imprisonment for robbery,with the sentences to run concurrently.

She clarified that other four people which were involved in the brutally murder of Dr Mehlape will be tried separately in the later stage.

"Four others accused,Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto(34),Hlologela Klaas Mogotlane(34),Mahlodi Melida Mathole(34) and Michael Sello Molongoane(42) appeared alongside Mehlape.They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder,murder,robbery with aggravating circumstances,and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 20 June 2025 in the Polokwane High Court,"she added.

It was revealed in court that Mologadi planned her father's murder after she was informed by a traditional healer that her father was responsible for the death of her mother.

She said the court heard that Mehlape,who is the daughter of the deceased,orchestrated the murder following claims made by a traditional healer,Mogotlane(Accused 3),who alleged that her father was responsible for her mother's death through the use of "muthi".When attempts to retaliate using traditional means failed,Mehlape enlisted the help of various family members to hire a contract killer,agreeing to pay R200,000 for the murder.

The court also heard that on the night of the incident,Mologadi gave hitmen access to the house and her father was assassinated while was sleeping and was multiple times.

"On the night of the incident,Mehlape unlocked the gate and main door,granting the perpetrators access to the house.The deceased was ambused in his bedroom while asleep,shot multiple times,and robbed of several valuables,including his cellphone.A Ford Ranger double cab believed to have been used during the crime was seized during arrests in Mankweng,and a firearm allegedly used in the killing was recovered during an arrest in Zebediela,"she stated.

During court proceedings,Mologadi apologised to her family and tried to urge the court to set her free because she has young child that depends on her however the prosecution team dismissed her plea.

"In mitigation,Mehlape apologised to her family,noting that she is the primary caregiver of her one-year-nine-month-old daughter and had unresolved disputes with her father.However,State Advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that the guilty plea was motivated by overwhelming evidence rather than genuine remorse.She described the murder as 'gruesome and heartless,'urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence,"she said.

The National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) welcomes the conviction and life sentence,viewing it as a clear affirmation of the justice system's resolve to hold perpetrators of serious and violent crimes accountable.This outcome underscores the NPA's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and securing justice for victims and their families,concluded Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.