Man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife in a church
The Thohoyandou High Court has sentenced a 55-year-old man, Mundalamo Avhapfani Eric, from Sidou Village, to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife inside a church in Makonde Village, in Limpopo.
The sentence was handed down on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, following nearly two years of investigations and court proceedings.
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According to evidence presented in court, the incident occurred on Saturday, 30 March 2024, when the accused followed his wife, Mbedzi Funanani Patience (43), to a church service. Armed with a firearm, he entered the church and shot her dead in the presence of shocked congregants.
Police were immediately alerted, and a case of murder was opened at Thohoyandou Police Station. The matter was assigned to Constable Mashamba Mmbengeni Clovis of the Thohoyandou Detective Service, who led a thorough and detailed investigation into the case.
Just a day after the incident, on 1 April 2024, the accused handed himself over to authorities and was formally charged with murder.
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After 21 months of court appearances and investigative work, the High Court concluded that the murder was premeditated and warranted the maximum penalty. In addition to the life sentence, the court also declared Mundalamo unfit to possess a firearm.
Police have welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message against gender-based violence.
