Picture: The deceased, Matshidiso Cathrine Mojaki/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man who stabbed his wife to death in Kolong village, near Taung was sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court on 18 July 2023. Thapelo Edwin Mojaki (41), who pleaded guilty to the matter, stabbed his wife, Matshidiso Catherine Mojaki (36) to death with a sheep shearing scissors back in 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, on 9 October 2022, Mojaki approached his wife, who was on her way to catch a taxi to work, accompanied by their 16 and 18 years-old children respectively.
“He subsequently asked for money and when his wife, Matshidiso said she did not have any, Mojaki took out sheep shearing scissors and stabbed her several times.
“She was declared dead on the scene and Mojaki was arrested the following day. The court denied him bail until the completion of the case,” said Mamothame.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Tecia Khula urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as there were no compelling circumstances to deviate. Khula further highlighted the trauma experienced by their children, who experienced their pregnant mother being stabbed to death by their own father.
In imposing the sentence, Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the state and remarked that the accused had a responsibility to protect his family and not be a perpetrator of crime towards them.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded all role players for ensuring the perpetrator is brought to book.
They further called on strong advocacy against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) in communities.
TaungDailyNews 