Quick read

• Mologadi Mehlape (28) was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Mehlape, a circuit manager.

• The murder took place on December 28, 2023; Mehlape pleaded guilty to murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

• She received a concurrent sentence of life for murder and 15 years for robbery.

• Four co-accused will face a separate trial on charges including murder, robbery, conspiracy and illegal possession of a firearm.

• The court heard that Mehlape believed her father used muti to harm her mother and offered R200 000 to hire a contract killer.

• Full story below.

Full story

POLOKWANE – Mologadi Mehlape (28) has been convicted of the murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, a respected circuit manager in the Department of Education.

The Limpopo High Court handed down judgment last Wednesday following her guilty plea to charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances committed on December 28, 2023, at her father’s home.

Mehlape was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years for robbery, with the sentences to be served concurrently.

She appeared in court alongside four co-accused: Michael Sello Molongoane (42), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34), Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), and Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane (34).

The four face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Their trial has been separated and postponed until Friday at the Polokwane High Court.

The court revealed chilling details, including that Mehlape masterminded the murder based on claims by the third accused, Mogotlane, a traditional healer, who alleged that her father had used muti (witchcraft) to cause her mother’s death.

After failed attempts to seek revenge through supernatural means, Mehlape was said to have recruited family members and offered R200 000 to hire a contract killer.

On the night of the murder, she reportedly opened the gate and main door to allow the assailants access.

Her father was attacked in his sleep, shot multiple times, and several valuables, including his cellphone, were stolen.

Subsequent arrests in Mankweng led to the seizure of a double cab bakkie believed to have been used in the crime, and during a separate arrest in Zebediela, a firearm suspected to be the murder weapon was recovered.

During sentencing, Mehlape pleaded for leniency, citing her role as the primary caregiver for her daughter and unresolved issues with her father.

State advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo, however, argued that her guilty plea stemmed more from the overwhelming evidence than genuine regret.

He described the murder as “brutal and horrific”.