By REGINALD KANYANE
13 October 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for killing his girlfriend in Makoshong village. On 25 May 2025, the accused, Benjamin Moya
brutally assaulted his girlfriend after finding her in the company of a male friend.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Lindiwe Mabasa, Moya arrived at the deceased’s residence on the evening of the incident and found her with the man, who fled after becoming aware of his presence. Mabasa said Moya then assaulted his girlfriend with clenched fists, booted feet, a sjambok and a builder’s spirit level.
“The court heard that Moya subsequently instructed the woman to accompany him to the residence of another woman with whom he was romantically involved. He regarded both women as his wives and wanted the deceased to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“He continued assaulting her, while they were on their way to the other woman’s residence. Upon arrival, Moya requested that both women accompany him to the wife of his best friend, whom he had allegedly found with the deceased,” she said.
Mabasa further said before they could proceed, it became apparent that the victim had sustained serious injuries and was bleeding. She added that the victim was rushed to hospital for medical attention, but was declared dead on the same day.
“Faced with overwhelming evidence against him, Moya pleaded guilty to murder. The court further heard that he had been released on bail on 15 January 2026, and remained out on bail until the matter was finalised.
“During arguments on sentencing, the state prosecutor Joseph Makwe highlighted the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa and argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Mabasa.
She said the court agreed with the state’ submissions and sentenced Moya to life imprisonment. Mabasa said he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo, welcomed the sentence and commended Makwe and Sergeant Unathi Tiem of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their dedication and efforts in ensuring that justice was served. Makhari-Sekhaolelo said the right to life is a fundamental constitutional right that must be protected and upheld.
“The NPA remained committed to combating GBV, holding perpetrators accountable and securing justice for victims and their families. The sentence reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that perpetrators of serious crimes faced the consequences of their actions,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “Though such sentences will restore confidence in the criminal justice system early intervention is required to avert GBVF deaths.
“The sentence should serve as a deterrent and send an unequivocal message to perpetrators of despicable GBV acts and abusers of women like the heartless Moya that there is no place for them in society.”
