By REGINALD KANYANE
9 July 2025- A Lesotho national was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Stilfontein Regional Court for killing his girlfriend, Mpho Gift Mphatsoe (29). The accused, Aaron Matete (23) was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act of 2002.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court also declared Matete unfit to possess a firearm. Gunya said the incident occurred on 12 October 2024, following an argument between Matete and Mphatsoe at their home in Khuma Township.
“The evidence presented in court revealed that Matete assaulted the deceased with a beer bottle, striking her in the face. As the violence escalated, he repeatedly stabbed her on the head and neck with a knife, resulting in her death.
“After the brutal attack, Matete left the deceased’s body in the house overnight and only reported the incident to Mphatsoe’s mother the following morning. The police were called to the scene, where they found her body with multiple stab wounds and bloodstains,” he said.
Gunya further said Matete was arrested shortly thereafter and remained in custody throughout the trial. He said despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted based on compelling evidence led by the prosecution.
In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Chris Kok urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the alarming rise in murder cases. Kock also noted that Khuma is among the communities grappling with high levels of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with some of the perpetrators being foreign nationals, including those from Lesotho.
Welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the prosecutor, investigating officer, and all role-players involved in ensuring justice is served. Makhari expressed hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent against GBV in South Africa.
The Guardian 