By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 February 2026- A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Potchefstroom Regional Court for several serious charges, including attempted murder, assault, housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, and contravention of the Domestic Violence Act. The accused, Gouws Galetlhobogwe’s conviction stems from a violent incident that occurred on 24 November 2024, at Matlwang village.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court heard that the accused and the complainant (34) had previously been in a relationship, which had ended three months prior to the incident. Gunya said in the early hours, Galetlhobogwe unlawfully broke into the complainant’s home, proceeded to her bedroom and stabbed her multiple times.
“When the complainant’s grandmother (90), attempted to intervene, the accused pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground. He continued stabbing the complainant until she went silent, before fleeing the scene. The accused was arrested two days later and remained in custody after being denied bail.
“During court proceedings, Galetlhobogwe pleaded guilty to all charges,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Thandi Ntoyi, emphasised the gravity of the offences, particularly the attempted murder within a domestic relationship and the abuse of an elderly person, both of which involve vulnerable groups. Ntoyi urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, namely life imprisonment for attempted murder and five years imprisonment for the abuse of an older person.
“The court concurred and imposed the life sentence for attempted murder, two years imprisonment for Contravention of the Domestic Violence Act, four years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence and four years imprisonment for assault.
“All sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the Register for Abuse of Older Persons,” he said.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Ntoyi, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. Makhari said these sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.
The Guardian 