Traditional healer pleads guilty to the murder of DR Mehlape
The Polokwane High Court has sentenced traditional healer, Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane [36] after he pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, on 28 December 2023 at the deceased’s home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane. Dr Mehlape was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education.
Dr Mehlape’s death was orchestrated by his daughter Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape who has since been sentenced to life imprisonment.
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The murder follows claims made by traditional healer, Mogotlane who alleged that Dr Mehlape 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.
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On Monday, 16 February Mogotlane pleaded guilty and the court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder and 13 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. He also accepted his responsibility for his role in the offences to cause the death of Dr Mehlape.
Three others accused, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34) and Michael Sello Molongoane (42) appeared alongside Mogotlane. The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 02-13 November 2026 in the Polokwane High Court.
