POLOKWANE – The Polokwane High Court has sentenced traditional healer Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane (36) to 20 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, a circuit manager at the Department of Education.

The incident occurred on December 28, 2023 at Mehlape’s home in Mankweng Zone 1.

Mogotlane pleaded guilty to murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

He was sentenced to 20 years for murder and 13 years for robbery, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Three co-accused, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34) and Michael Sello Molongoane (42), appeared alongside Mogotlane.

They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Their trial has been separated and postponed to November 2-13.

Family spokesperson Mapao Mehlape said the family remains deeply hurt nearly three years after the killing.

“Each time the case comes to court, the pain returns. We buried him, but the pain has not left us. We need justice to prevail for everyone involved,” he said.

The court heard that the deceased’s daughter, Mologadi Mehlape, had consulted Mogotlane regarding her mother’s death.

Mogotlane told her that her father was responsible through the use of ‘muthi’.

“When attempts to retaliate through traditional means failed, she allegedly sought assistance from relatives to hire a contract killer, agreeing to pay R200 000”.

In his plea, Mogotlane admitted his actions were unlawful and said he should have reported the matter to police instead of participating in the crime.