DAUGHTER PLEADS GUILTY TO THE MURDER OF HER FATHER Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape (28) has been convicted after pleading guilty to the brutal murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, who was a Circuit Manager at the Limpopo Department of Education. The incident occurred on 28 December 2023 at the deceased’s home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane. Mehlape was convicted in terms of section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court sentenced her to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery, with the sentences to run concurrently. Four others accused, Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34) and Michael Sello Molongoane (42) appeared alongside Mehlape. They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 20 June 2025 in the Polokwane High Court. The court heard that Mehlape, who is the daughter of the deceased, orchestrated the murder following claims made by a traditional healer, Mogotlane (Accused 3), who alleged that her father was responsible for her mother's death through the use of "muthi". When attempts to retaliate using traditional means failed, Mehlape enlisted the help of various family members to hire a contract killer, agreeing to pay R200,000 for the murder. On the night of the incident, Mehlape unlocked the gate and main door, granting the perpetrators access to the house. The deceased was ambushed in his bedroom while asleep, shot multiple times, and robbed of several valuables, including his cellphone. A Ford Ranger double cab believed to have been used during the crime was seized during the arrests in Mankweng, and a firearm allegedly used in the killing was recovered during an arrest in Zebediela. In mitigation, Mehlape apologised to her family, noting that she is the primary caregiver of her one-year-nine-month-old daughter and had unresolved disputes with her father. However, State Advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that the guilty plea was motivated by overwhelming evidence rather than genuine remorse. She described the murder as “gruesome and heartless,” urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence. Crime Watch SA