By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man (43) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Mogwase on 15 May 2024. This comes after the accused Hlajoane Shakhale, who is from a neighbouring country, Lesotho, found guilty of killing his girlfriend, Dimpho Jeanet Matlhabe (31). 

According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, on 8 October 2022, Shakhale and his girlfriend were from a local tavern in Ramoga village, near Mogwase, outside Rustenburg, when an argument ensued between them. Funani further said Shakhale insisted that Matlhabe, who is also from Lesotho, go with him to his residential place in Lesetlheng village. 

“A fight ensued between the two when the victim refused. Shakhale consequently assaulted the victim, then strangled and left her bleeding on the road. The victim’s body was spotted by a passer-by in the early hours of Sunday morning (9 October 2022). 

“They informed a police official, who had just been knocked off duty. The police were summoned and information was received that the victim was seen arguing with the accused at the tavern. The suspect was positively linked with the incident and arrested,” she said. 

Funani added that Shakhale has been in custody ever since his arrest. She said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, congratulated the police in Mogwase and Detectives, as well as the prosecutors for the sterling job displayed to ensure that the accused gets a hefty sentence. Kwena said this will send out a message that there will be no tolerance for committing crimes, especially against women and children. 

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