Man Sentenced to Life for Murder of Girlfriend in Ga-Dikgale
GA-DIKGALE, LIMPOPO — A 32-year-old man, Joseph Mahlakoana, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 26-year-old girlfriend, Florina Makoma Masetla.
Mahlakoana was sentenced by the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, after being convicted of Masetla’s murder.
The case relates to an incident at Marobala village in Ga-Dikgale during the early hours of 2 January 2025.
According to police, Mahlakoana and Masetla became involved in a heated argument at the accused’s homestead at about 02:30. During the confrontation, Mahlakoana allegedly produced a sharp object and stabbed Masetla several times in the upper body.
Masetla succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Police said Mahlakoana fled following the attack but was later arrested. He remained in custody throughout the court proceedings after investigating officer Sergeant Ruben Medupi Mogashoa successfully opposed his release on bail.
In addition to the life sentence, Mahlakoana was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence, saying it reflected the seriousness of the offence and the need to hold perpetrators of violent crimes accountable.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of violence against women and the importance of continued efforts to combat gender-based violence in communities.
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