A man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend granted bail


By OBAKENG MAJE

29 October 2025- A man, Atlholang William Mosiane (36), who is accused of killing his former girlfriend, Elizabeth Dimpo Motlodi was granted bail by the North West High Court. Mosiane faces charges of murder and two counts of pointing a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Mosiane’s release follows a successful appeal after bail was previously denied by the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court in August 2025. Gunya said on 25 March 2021, Mosiane allegedly went to Motlodi’s residence looking for her.

“Upon his arrival, he enquired from her father about her whereabouts and was informed that she had not yet returned from work. He then left the premises. After a short while, the deceased’s father reportedly heard gunshots coming from his daughter’s shack. When he went to investigate, he allegedly saw Mosiane exiting the shack holding a firearm.

“Inside, he discovered his daughter lying on the floor with gunshot wounds. Mosiane was arrested and initially sentenced to life imprisonment. However, his conviction and sentence were later set aside due to procedural technicalities. He was re-arrested in August 2025, for the same offence and denied bail by the lower court before successfully appealing to the North West High Court,” he said.

Gunya further said Mosiane was granted a R5000 bail with strict conditions. He added that the court ordered Mosiane to report to the Tlhabane Police Station every Monday between 6am and 8pm until the conclusion of the trial.

“He must refrain from any contact, communication, or visits to the complainants or their premises; avoid interfering with witnesses. He should notify the investigating officer of any change of address. Mosiane is expected to appear again at the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 11 December 2025, for the allocation of a High Court trial date.

“The NPA remains committed to pursuing justice for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through due legal processes,” said Gunya.

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A man jailed for raping a girl with down syndrome


By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 July 2025- A man, Thabo Xolani
Masoka (32) was sentenced to to life imprisonment for raping a girl (11) with Down syndrome. Masoka resided in the same block of flats as the victim and her mother.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the incident occurred on 18 September 2022. Mahanjana said the victim was with her mother at the mother’s salon on the premises when, at approximately 7:45pm, the mother began locking up.

“The victim started walking home, but minutes later, the mother arrived at their flat and realised the child was missing. With assistance from other residents, she searched for her daughter. A witness reported seeing the victim walking with Masoka to his flat.

“The mother and residents confronted Masoka at his flat, where they found the child sitting. When questioned, he said he does not know why she was there. The residents called the police and Masoka was arrested on the scene that day,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the state successfully
opposed his bail and he has remained in custody since. She added that, in court, Masoka pleaded not guilty, denying the rape and claiming the minor was his girlfriend, they had consensual sex and thought the victim was 17 years-old.

“However, the state prosecutor Andries Ntjana, presented evidence from a medical doctor and psychiatrist, which proved that the child lacked the capacity to consent. During sentencing, Masoka requested leniency, citing his three children and wife, whom he supports.

“Ntjana opposed this and said Masoka’s lacked remorse, he continued to maintain his innocence even after conviction. Furthermore, Ntjana said Masoka betrayed the mother’s trust since he was, and a neighbour meant to protect the child,” said Mahanjana.

Magistrate Lynn Pillay found no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, deeming life imprisonment appropriate.

Meanwhile, the NPA said it welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down. It said this ruling reaffirms the NPA’s unwavering commitment to delivering justice for the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly children with special needs who are often targeted due to their dependence and trust.

“The court’s decision to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, despite the accused’s pleas for leniency, underscores our resolute stance that no one is above the law, especially when it comes to gender-based violence (GBV) against defenceless victims,” said Manjana.

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