MANKWENG, LIMPOPO — In a case that has gripped the nation and shocked an entire community, Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape, 28, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding the murder of her father, respected education official Dr. Malekutu Johannes Mehlape. The crime, committed in December 2023, was fuelled by belief in witchcraft and allegations involving traditional spiritual practices.
The Polokwane High Court handed down the sentence on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, after Mologadi pleaded guilty to charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. She was sentenced to life for the murder, with an additional 15 years for robbery. The sentences will run concurrently.
A Tragic End to a Public Servant’s Legacy
Dr. Mehlape, 58, served as a Circuit Manager in the Limpopo Department of Education, known for his dedication to improving rural schooling systems. His untimely death on the night of December 28, 2023, sent shockwaves through the province.
According to police reports, he was shot dead in his home in Mankweng Zone 1 by intruders who gained access with the help of someone he trusted — his own daughter.
The Motive: Muthi and Misguided Belief
Court proceedings revealed that Mologadi believed her father had used “muthi” (traditional spiritual medicine) to cause the death of her mother, a suspicion reportedly planted by a traditional healer. Following consultations and alleged failed rituals, she resolved to seek revenge.
Investigators discovered that Mologadi entered into an agreement with hitmen to kill her father, offering a payment of R200,000. On the day of the murder, she unlocked the house and gave the gunmen access, knowing full well her father was inside.
Investigation and Arrests
Limpopo police arrested five individuals in connection with the murder, including:
- Mologadi Mehlape (daughter)
- A traditional healer
- Three alleged hitmen
Evidence included WhatsApp messages, call logs, and money transfer records — all of which formed a solid case against her.
While Mologadi eventually pleaded guilty, the four co-accused have entered not guilty pleas and are expected to stand trial from June 20, 2025.
In Court: Tears, Regret, and Justice
Standing in court, Mologadi broke down in tears as she confessed to the role she played in her father’s murder. In mitigation, her defence cited unresolved trauma, emotional manipulation by the traditional healer, and her responsibilities as a young mother.
However, presiding Judge Justice Mangena said the crime demonstrated “a high level of planning and betrayal,” adding that the remorse seemed more “tactical than sincere.”
“This was not a heat-of-the-moment act. It was deliberate, methodical, and cruel,” said the judge.
Sentencing Summary:
| Charge | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Murder | Life imprisonment |
| Robbery with aggravating circumstances | 15 years |
| Concurrent? | Yes |
Community in Mourning, Shock and Fear
The murder has left the local education community in disbelief. Colleagues described Dr. Mehlape as “a gentle intellectual,” and learners at schools under his circuit held prayer services and candlelight vigils in his memory.
Local residents expressed anger and confusion over how spiritual manipulation and family disputes could lead to such a gruesome crime.
“We grew up taught to respect ancestors and rituals — but never to use them for murder,” said local teacher Thabiso Moagi, 42.
Wider Implications: Witchcraft, Justice and the Youth
This case has reignited national debates about the influence of traditional healers, spiritual beliefs, and the vulnerability of young people in moments of trauma.
Legal experts are calling for stricter regulation of traditional healers and psychological support systems for bereaved youth in rural communities.
What’s Next?
With Mologadi Mehlape now serving a life sentence at a correctional facility in Limpopo, the focus shifts to her four co-accused. Their trial is expected to reveal further details about the planning and spiritual context of the crime.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that all five individuals face possible life sentences if found guilty.
Details of the Murder:
- He was gunned down by hitmen who had been hired by his daughter, Mologadi Mehlape.
- Mologadi unlocked the door and allowed the killers into the house.
- Once inside, the hitmen opened fire, killing Dr. Mehlape.
- The killing was described by the court as “gruesome and heartless.”
The method — a planned execution-style shooting — pointed to premeditation. It was not a robbery gone wrong or a crime of passion; it was an orchestrated assassination paid for with a R200,000 promise.
