POLOKWANE – A Polokwane High Court judge has sentenced Pholosho Arbitrators Mangoale (27), of Ga-Maila Mapitsane, to life imprisonment for the murder of his 66-year-old aunt, Keepye Jolina Ramogayana, a case prosecutors say underscores the need to protect elderly and vulnerable victims.

Witness saw him with garden fork before attack

Mangoale had pleaded not guilty to the charge, but the court found he attacked his aunt at her homestead on July 18, 2025, fatally assaulting her with a knife and a garden fork.

A witness had seen him at the property beforehand, carrying the fork.

Ramogayana was later found dead at the scene, with Mangoale still there when police arrived.

His mother told the court she had been surprised to find him at home wearing blood-stained sneakers that day, having believed he was in Gauteng. Police were called and arrested him shortly afterwards.

Victim remembered as pillar of her community

At sentencing, the deceased’s son testified about the impact of his mother’s death on the family and wider community, describing her as a caregiver who had helped raise orphans, supported the establishment of local crèches, and served her community as a priest.

State Advocate Malatji Matibidi argued that the victim’s age warranted a life sentence under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, and characterised the killing as an act of gender-based violence, urging the court to send a deterrent message.

Prosecutors vow tough stance on GBV cases

Limpopo director of public prosecutions Adv Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence.

“It can never be overemphasised how important human life is, and therefore we will be vigorous in our pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers,” she said, praising the prosecution and investigation teams.

The NPA said it remained committed to holding perpetrators of violence against women, the elderly and other vulnerable people to account.