The Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on 16 September 2026 sentenced Joseph Mahlakoana (32) to life imprisonment for the murder of his 26-year-old girlfriend, Florina Makoma Masetla.
The incident occurred on 2 January 2025 at Ga-Dikgale, Marobala Village, after Masetla visited Mahlakoana at his home.
An argument allegedly broke out between the couple, during which Mahlakoana stabbed her several times with a sharp object. Masetla sustained multiple stab wounds to her upper body and died at the scene. Mahlakoana fled after the attack but was later arrested.
He remained in custody throughout the trial after Investigating Officer Sergeant Ruben Medupi Mogashoa successfully opposed bail.Besides the life sentence, the court declared Mahlakoana unfit to possess a firearm.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence, saying it reflects the seriousness of the offence, in which a defenceless woman was killed by someone who claimed to love her.
