A former South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member has been sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for murdering his girlfriend in Ga-Malepetleke village, Limpopo.
Thabo Lawrence Monyane, 42, was sentenced by the Polokwane High Court after pleading guilty to the murder of 34-year-old Eniphe Sebolaishi Leso.
Fatal confrontation
The murder happened on December 5, 2025, at about 9.10pm in the Waterberg district.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Leso was walking through the village with a friend when Monyane approached them in a maroon Hyundai i20.
Ledwaba said an argument allegedly broke out after Monyane confronted Leso and accused her of being unfaithful.
“Monyane attacked and stabbed Leso several times with a sharp object before getting into his vehicle and fleeing the scene,” Ledwaba said.
Leso was left critically injured and lying in a pool of blood. Emergency medical personnel later declared her dead at the scene.
Police investigation
Monyane was subsequently arrested by police and appeared before the Mahwelereng magistrate’s court on December 8, 2025.
He was denied bail and remained in custody while the matter was transferred to the Polokwane High Court.
Police seized the suspected murder weapon and a bloodstained T-shirt as exhibits.
The investigation was led by Sergeant Martin Dutja, whose work contributed to securing the conviction.
The case highlights the deadly consequences of violence in intimate relationships, particularly where conflict and accusations of infidelity escalate into physical attacks.
South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of violence against women, with law enforcement agencies under sustained pressure to investigate such cases and ensure perpetrators face justice.
Police welcome sentence
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence and praised the investigating officer and other members of the police involved in the case.
“This sentence demonstrates the commitment of the SAPS to thoroughly investigate cases of violence against women and ensure that perpetrators are brought before the courts,” Scheepers said.
The court also declared Monyane unfit to possess a firearm.
The 18-year sentence means Monyane will serve a substantial period behind bars for the killing of Leso, whose death followed a confrontation that police say began over allegations of infidelity.
