Man sentenced for murder of woman over R20 scones debt

The Mahwelereng Regional Court has sentenced Tebogo Gwangwa from Ga-Magongoa village, Limpopo to two life terms for rape and murder of a 70-year-old woman over R20 scones debt.

Gwangwa [28] pleaded guilty, admitting that on 15 July 2023, he entered the victim’s home to collect an R20 debt for scones.

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He forcefully removed her clothing and raped her. Fearing that she had recognised him, he strangled her to death. The accused evaded authorities until his arrest on 27 August 2024.  The court ruled that the life sentences would run concurrently.

During sentencing, state prosecutor Morris Thanyane argued that the accused violated the deceased’s right to life and dignity, exploiting her vulnerability as an elderly woman. He emphasised that the crime occurred in the victim’s own home, a place where she should have been safest.

LIMPOPO MAN, TEBOGO GWANGWA, SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS OVER R20 SCONES DEBT

The accused initially denied the charges, only pleading guilty after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Thanyane urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no substantial or compelling reasons to justify a lesser sentence.

The National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] has welcomed the court’s decision. Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga expressed hope that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. She also commended Thanyane and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.