A man, who strangled a woman to death at the request of her mother, was sentenced to life in prison recently.

The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane sentenced Ngoako Japhter Mabetlela, 34, to life imprisonment for murdering Lebogang Prudence Lediga.

The court heard that on the evening of May 28, 2020, Mabetlela arrived at the homestead of the deceased, Lediga, and strangled her to death.

NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi says after the incident, the deceased’s mother washed the body and changed the clothes before the police could arrive.

“The accused killed the deceased at the request of her mother in exchange for payment.

“The deceased’s mother was motivated by the financial gain from the insurance payout.

“Lediga’s mother is serving a 20-year sentence. She pleaded guilty last year, adds Malabi-Dzhangi.

In aggravation of the sentence, State advocate Malebo Maleka submitted that the deceased died a painful death and that the offence was premeditated.

“She then said that the accused had a chance to report the deceased’s mother to the police, however, he never did as he had an interest in the payment.

“She further argued that there are no substantial or compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

“As the NPA, we serve the best interests of society, and we are pleased with the good work done by advocate Maleka and investigating officer, sergeant Lekgema Joseph Molepo of Mankweng police station,” Malabi-Dzhangi adds.