By OBAKENG MAJE
A 34-YEA-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for killing his girlfriend (27). On 25 March 2021, Atlholang William Mosiane, who was a law enforcement officer at the Rustenburg Traffic Department, went to his girlfriend’s home in Lefaragatlha, near Tlhabane outside Rustenburg, as they agreed to meet at 7pm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, at the time, the girlfriend had not arrived. Mamothame further said Mosiane proceeded to look for her at her friend’s house in Tlhabane and to no avail.
He added that Mosiane then went back to his girlfriend’s home and found her in her shack.
“He then demanded to check her phone to which she complied, while also telling him not to interrogate her about the content in the phone. An argument ensued and she subsequently took her phone and called her father.
“Upon answering the call, the father heard a gunshot and quickly rushed to the shack, accompanied by the deceased’s younger sister. When they arrived, they found out that, Mosiane had already shot the deceased five times, killing her on the spot,” said Mamothame.
He said, Mosiane then took their son (10) and left the scene. Mamothame said Mosiane later handed himself over to the police and the court granted him bail.
“During court proceedings, he tendered a guilty plea which the state rejected, as it was an attempt to avoid a longer jail term,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Mercia Magano, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as the accused was a law enforcement officer who had a responsibility to uphold the law.
Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and remarked on the character displayed by the accused of being regretful, but not remorseful.
A life sentence was subsequently imposed for pre-meditated murder.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Richard Mogongwana, and other role players for their collaboration In bringing the perpetrator to book.
The Guardian 