By Bulelwa Hoala
- Mahlodi Mathole, 45, Dr Malekutu Mehlape’s sister-in-law, has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison for his December 2023 murder. She pleaded guilty and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
- Mathole is the third person convicted in the case. Dr Mehlape’s daughter, Mologadi Mehlape, was sentenced to life imprisonment, while traditional healer Hlologelo Mogotlane received 20 years.
- Two accused, Daniel Molongwana and Tshepo Ranoto, are still before the court. Their trial is scheduled to continue on 2 November 2026, while SAPS Limpopo says investigators remain committed to bringing everyone implicated in the murder to justice.
Mahlodi Mathole, the sister-in-law of slain former Department of Education executive Dr Malekutu Mehlape, has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison for his murder.
The 45-year-old was sentenced in the Polokwane High Court after pleading guilty to murder as part of a plea and sentence agreement with the State.
Mathole was sentenced to 25 years behind bars, with eight years suspended for five years, resulting in an effective 17-year sentence.
The court also declared her unfit to possess a firearm.
Dr Mehlape murdered at his home
Dr Mehlape was attacked at his home in Mankweng Zone 1 on 28 December 2023.
During the attack, his cellphone and an undisclosed amount of money were stolen.
A murder case was initially opened at Mankweng Police Station before the investigation was transferred to the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Investigation Unit.
The investigation was led by Sergeant Chuene Mokwele, with the Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit conducting intelligence-driven operations.
Five suspects were eventually arrested, with the State successfully opposing their bail applications.
Three accused have now been sentenced
Mathole is the third accused to be convicted and sentenced in connection with Dr Mehlape’s murder.
His daughter, Mologadi Mehlape, was previously sentenced to life imprisonment, while traditional healer Hlologelo Mogotlane was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The cases against the remaining two accused, Daniel Molongwana and Tshepo Ranoto, are still before the court.
Their matter has been postponed to 2 November 2026 for trial.
SAPS welcomes latest sentence
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers welcomed Mathole’s sentence and commended the investigating team for their persistence.
SAPS said the investigation demonstrates its commitment to pursuing justice for victims of violent crime, despite the complexity of the case.
The police said they will continue supporting the criminal justice process until the remaining accused have had their day in court.
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