Dr Malekutu Mehlape was shot and killed in December 2023 at his home in Mankweng outside Polokwane. His 28-year-old daughter Mologadi Mehlape, who hired the hit men to murder her father pleaded, guilty to the murder last week Wednesday.

She was sentenced to life imprisonment. Her four co-accused, Tshepo Ranoto, Hlologelo Mogotlane, Sello Molongoana and her aunt, Mahlodi Mathole are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Mehlape blamed her father for her mother’s death, following a consultation with a traditional doctor about her mother’s passing. National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi has welcomed the postponement.

“The court today couldn’t proceed with the matter because she [the judge] has already presided over this case having found one of the accused guilty. We should get another judge who will proceed with the matter. That is why the matter has been postponed to next year,” Malabi-Dzangi said. Meanwhile, the Defense Lawyer, Moses Manthata says although Mehlape pleaded guilty she will appeal the sentence of life imprisonment.

“They gave us life-imprisonment but we are not happy. Remember, the accused is still young. She’s 28 years of age. Yes, we agreed that things went wrong. We don’t condone it but mercy has to apply. She pleaded guilty because in all fairness, remember, we did not have a leg to stand on should we proceeded,” Manthata said.

--SABC--