LIMPOPO – The Giyani Regional Court sentenced 31-year-old Maboti Valoyi to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 56-year-old Eddy Ritshuri, in what the court described as a love triangle dispute.

The court heard that on the night of January 28 2024, Valoyi confronted Ritshuri, who was in the company of a woman believed to be Valoyi’s girlfriend.

Consumed by jealousy, Valoyi forcibly took the woman away and threatened to assault her. Ritshuri followed in an attempt to protect her, but during the confrontation Valoyi stabbed him.

The victim collapsed between a local tavern and a church in Dengeza A village. A passerby later discovered him, and community members rushed him to a nearby clinic, where he was sadly declared dead on arrival.

Police opened a murder case, and Detective Sergeant Tshamiseka Jeffrey Maluleke was assigned to investigate. Valoyi was arrested the following day.

Although bail was initially opposed, he was later released in July 2024.

In August this year, the Giyani Regional Court found Valoyi guilty, and his bail was forfeited. This week, the court handed down a 15-year sentence.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the outcome, commending the investigating officer’s work and condemning violence fueled by relationship dispute