Daughter pleads guilty to the murder of her father

The Polokwane High Court, Limpopo, has sentenced Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape [28] to life imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, who was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education.

The murder of Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape occurred on 28 December 2023 at the deceased’s home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane.

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Mehlape orchestrated the murder of her father following claims made by a traditional healer [who is also one of the accused], who alleged that her father was responsible for her mother’s death through the use of “muthi”.

When attempts to retaliate using traditional means failed, Mehlape enlisted the help of various family members to hire a contract killer, agreeing to pay R200,000 for the murder.

On the night of the incident, Mehlape unlocked the gate and main door, granting the perpetrators access to the house. The deceased was ambushed in his bedroom while asleep, shot multiple times, and robbed of several valuables, including his cellphone.

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She was also sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery, with the sentences to run concurrently. Mehlape was convicted in terms of section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Four others accused, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34) and Michael Sello Molangoane (42) appeared alongside Mehlape.

They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 20 June 2025 in the Polokwane High Court.