By REGINALD KANYANE
14 October 2025- A man (61) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder by the Potchefstroom Regional Court. This comes after the accused Molefi Benjamin Ramohlokoane killed his intimate partner, Maria Masego Fumba (36) in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 11 February 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that Ramohlokoane and Fumba were in a relationship. Gunya said on the day of the incident, Fumba was cooking for her neighbour (77) when the accused entered the house in a fit of rage and jealousy and stabbed her multiple times with two knives.
“Fumba succumbed to her injuries, which included a fatal penetrating wound to the chest. Police were called to the scene and a case of murder was opened. Ramohlokoane was arrested the same day and remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial.
“During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of murder, read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor advocate Hester Pretorius, argued that murder is among the most serious offences before the courts, particularly those committed within domestic relationships,” he said.
Gunya said Pretorius further emphasised the courts’ duty to impose deterrent sentences that protect the vulnerable and demonstrate society’s resolve to eradicate Gender-Based and Domestic Violence. He added that in handing down the sentence, the court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from life imprisonment and imposed a 25 year term of direct imprisonment.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended both the prosecution and the investigative teams for their diligence and dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
The Guardian 