LIMPOPO – The father of a man who was stabbed to death in 2023 has expressed disappointment with the 20-year prison sentence handed down to the man who murdered his son, saying he had expected the court to put him behind bars for life.

Pfunzo Ramaano (23) was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering Miyahabo Mohomi (20) of Ramantsha on December 24, 2023.

The incident occurred at Tshiozwi village, where the two men were attending a party. Ramaano was sentenced at the Louis Trichardt Regional Court on October 13.

‘Our hearts are still bleeding’

The deceased’s father, Matomi Mohomi, said he was dissatisfied with the sentence, which he felt was too lenient. He believes the seriousness of the crime warranted a stronger term.

“As a family, we have grieved for a long time, and we almost lost hope that justice would be served. We believe he should have been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing our son.

“What added to our pain was that the sentencing took place without our knowledge.

“We expected the court to sentence him to life in prison, and our hearts are still bleeding. It is painful to think that one day he may be walking freely in the streets,” he said.

Sleepless nights

Mohomi said the sentence had left the family devastated, despite the long wait for the case to reach its conclusion.

“I have not been able to sleep properly since the incident. I keep thinking about my beautiful son and the fact that he will never come home again.

“What makes it even more painful is that the accused pleaded not guilty and never explained how or why he did this,” he said.

He also testified about the profound impact of his son’s death on the family, telling the court that Miyahabo had aspired to become a lawyer.

How the attack unfolded

According to the NPA, the deceased was attending a party when Ramaano confronted him, accusing him of assaulting his younger brother.

Although Mohomi denied the allegation, Ramaano assaulted him.

When Mohomi attempted to flee, Ramaano pursued him, caught up with him and stabbed him in the chest, leaving him critically injured and bleeding.

After the attack, Ramaano reportedly returned to the party carrying a knife and without his T-shirt, allegedly boasting that he “kills for blood”.

Ramaano pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The state, however, secured a conviction after presenting witness testimony that corroborated the events leading to the fatal stabbing.

NPA praises community and police

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi praised the police and the community, who helped secure the conviction.

“We are happy that the case was prosecuted successfully, and we commend the magistrate for a job well done.

“We would not have succeeded without the community members who came forward and gave evidence that led to the conviction. As the justice system, we welcome this partnership between the police and the community.

“It shows that, if we work together, criminals will have no place in our communities,” she said.