TZANEEN – The Polokwane Division of the High Court has sentenced a 33-year-old man to 18 years direct imprisonment for the murder of his 24-year-old girlfriend.

Frank Rikhotso, from Mbambamenchisi village, was convicted of killing the victim from Ruanda village in September 2025.

Victim found strangled in bed

The incident occurred at about 5:40 PM when police received a complaint about a murder at Nkowankowa location, Section C, and rushed to the scene.

Upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of a 24-year-old female victim lying on a bed with a swollen face. She was certified dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Argument over cellphone led to killing

Preliminary investigation revealed that at about 8:00 AM, the accused had a heated argument with the deceased, his girlfriend. They fought over a cellphone she had left at home, and Rikhotso suspected the victim of having another relationship.

In the process, the accused tied the victim’s hands and legs with cable ties and strangled her, leaving her body on the bed.

Afterward, Rikhotso attempted to commit suicide in the same room but was unsuccessful.

Following the incident, the accused was arrested on the same day in Nkowankowa location.