Woman sentenced to Life for Orchestrating father’s Murder
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Bride Mehlape received a life sentence after admitting to planning the murder of her father, Dr. Malekutu Johannes. Four others are also implicated in the crime.
The Polokwane High Court sentenced Bride Mehlape to life imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the murder of her father, Dr. Malekutu Johannes.
Mehlape, 28, was convicted of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Along with the life sentence for murder, she received 15 years for robbery, to be served concurrently, according to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
the trial of Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto, 34, Longlogelo Klaas Mogotlane, 34, Mahlodi Melida Mathole, 34, and Michael Sello Morwane, 42, has been separated from Mehlape’s case. They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Their trial is scheduled to resume on June 20.
Motive and Planning
According to court testimony, Mehlape orchestrated the murder based on claims from a traditional healer, Mogotlane, who alleged that her father caused her mother’s death through “muti” (traditional medicine or witchcraft). When traditional retaliation methods failed, Mehlape allegedly enlisted family members to hire a contract killer, promising R200,000 for the murder.
“The deceased was ambushed in his bedroom while asleep, shot multiple times, and robbed of several valuables, including his cellphone.”
on December 28, 2023, at her father’s home in Mankweeng Zone 1, Mehlape unlocked the gate and front door, providing access to the perpetrators. Dr. Johannes was then ambushed in his bedroom while asleep, shot multiple times, and robbed of valuables, including his cellphone.
Aftermath and Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, Mehlape apologized to her family, stating she was the primary caregiver for her 21-month-old daughter and had unresolved issues with her father.
State advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that mehlape’s guilty plea was due to the overwhelming evidence against her, not genuine remorse. Ratshibvumo described the murder as “gruesome and heartless” and urged the court to impose the minimum sentence.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed satisfaction with the conviction and life sentence, affirming the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of serious and violent crimes accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Bride Mehlape murder her father?
- Mehlape reportedly believed her father was responsible for her mother’s death through the use of “muti” (traditional medicine or witchcraft), according to claims from a traditional healer.
- What is “muti” and why is it relevant to this case?
- “Muti” refers to traditional medicine or witchcraft practices. In this case,it was alleged that Dr. Johannes used “muti” to cause the death of Mehlape’s mother, leading to the motive for the murder.
- What are the charges against the other four individuals involved?
- Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto, Longlogelo Klaas Mogotlane, Mahlodi Melida Mathole, and Michael Sello Morwane face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
- What was the NPA’s response to the sentencing?
- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the conviction and life sentence, viewing it as a clear affirmation of the justice system’s resolve to hold perpetrators of serious and violent crimes accountable.
