LIMPOPO – 25-year-old Tlhandluko Gift Chauke from Gawula village has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of his 20-year-old girlfriend.

The sentence was handed down by the Thohoyandou High Court on Wednesday (December 10).

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, in January 2024, Chauke enlisted the help of a male friend, Renneisence Kulani Chauke, to “discipline” Miranda Chauke after accusing her of infidelity.

“The following day, the pair allegedly assaulted Miranda at her home before taking her into nearby bushes, where they continued the attack. The two men beat and strangled her before fleeing the scene.”

Tlhandluko then went to the local police station and reported that he and his accomplice had killed his girlfriend. Officers accompanied him to the location, where they found Miranda’s body. He was arrested immediately.

Constable Nhlalala Shilenge was assigned to investigate the case and later arrested the second suspect.

Both accused remained in custody throughout the proceedings. Tlhandluko pleaded guilty and received a 25-year prison sentence.

His co-accused, Renneisence Kulani Chauke, did not plead guilty. His case has been postponed to March 6, 2026 for trial.