WOMAN (25) SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND ROBBERY POLOKWANE — The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 25-year-old Tebatso Salome Mahlakwane to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances following a plea and sentence agreement. According to Mashudu Malabi, Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, Mahlakwane was sentenced to 18 years for murder and 12 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 18 years’ direct imprisonment. The incident occurred on 15 July 2024 at Solomondale, where Mahlakwane and her accomplices allegedly assaulted and robbed 59-year-old Matome Joseph Mahuma, who later died from his injuries. The perpetrators reportedly stole Mahuma’s belongings, including an FNB bank card, a Mobicel cellphone and an undisclosed amount of money. Mahuma’s body was discovered inside his home four days after the incident. Five accused were arrested on 18 December 2024 following an investigation and an operation conducted by the Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit, with assistance from Tshimollo Security and Captain Phaladi Makola. The case against the four remaining accused — Shaolin Mashao Wilson Malatji, Stokane Flora Mabitsela, Lepai Johnny Tebogo Maboya and Cate Raesetja Maboya — has been postponed to 2 November 2026. The postponement is to allow Legal Aid to appoint a judicare attorney. #PolokwaneWeekly – at Centurion, South Africa