A 30-year-old man from Smashblock Village in Northam has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 33 years for the murders of two men and other offences.
The Polokwane High Court sentenced Madimabe Mishack Sebelebele for the murder of Nthabeleng Mohale and Matome Philip Maoto, as well as assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and theft.
The National Prosecuting Authority says Sebelebele pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court heard that on 4 June 2021, Sebelebele confronted a man over an alleged affair with his girlfriend, Nthabeleng Mohale.
He allegedly assaulted the man with a beer bottle and stabbed him with a knife before finding Mohale and stabbing her to death.
Later that day, Sebelebele was reportedly involved in an argument with Maoto at a drinking establishment.
The court heard that Maoto walked away, but Sebelebele followed him, stabbed him to death and stole his cellphone.
The accused was subsequently arrested after community members alerted police.
During sentencing, the State argued that Mohale had applied for a protection order against Sebelebele because she feared for her life.
It also told the court that the second murder was committed while Sebelebele was out on bail.
The court sentenced him to five years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, life imprisonment for Mohale’s murder, 25 years for Maoto’s murder and three years for theft.
The National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo has welcomed the sentence, saying it will continue pursuing murder cases vigorously to deter would-be offenders.
