By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 May 2025- A man (45) sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for murder. This comes after the accused, Botman Ezekiel Mphahlele killed his girlfriend, Patricia Sabole (50).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Mphahlele received an additional five years for attempting to murder his friend, Phillemon Kedige.
“The conviction follows an incident that occurred on 29 October 2023 in Freedom Park, near Rustenburg. Evidence presented in court revealed that Mphahlele and Sabole were in a relationship. The couple attended a local event accompanied by Kedige as their male friend.
“The couple had an altercation on their way back from the event. The court heard that Mphahlele displayed violent and uncontrollable behaviour towards his girlfriend,” he said.
Gunya further said Mphahlele physically attacked her and even wanted to put a bottle of beer in her private part. He added that he was reprimanded by his friends in the minibus taxi as they were on the way back from the event.
“Upon their arrival in Rustenburg on the same evening, they all went to a local tavern. Mphahlele was raged by jealousy and anger towards the friendship of his girlfriend and his friend, Kedige. At the tavern, the accused continued with his violence and shot his girlfriend twice in the neck and head.
“He then further shot his friend, Kedige. Sabole died at the scene and the incident was promptly reported to authorities, leading to Mphahlele’s arrest,” said Gunya.
He said in court, Mphahlele pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. Gunya said during sentencing, the state prosecutor, Orlinah Mputla argued that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a scourge in the country.
“She indicated to the court that the killing of women and children is a very serious offence and causes the community to take the law into their own hands.
“Mputla stated that the accused was the boyfriend of the deceased and he was supposed to protect, not kill her. The presiding officer concurred with the state and sentenced the accused to 20 years imprisonment,” he said.
Gunya said the court made an order in terms of Section 299A Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, that he must not be released on parole without the engagement and permission of the family members of the deceased. He said the court ordered both sentences to run concurrently and the accused has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecution teams for their dedication. Makhari said the DPP reaffirmed the unwavering commitment by the NPA in fighting GBV and ensuring that justice is served to the victims of crimes.
The Guardian 