By KEDIBONE MOALETSI
28 June 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Taung Regional Court to Simon Kesetsi Molale (22) of Lokgabeng village, near Taung. Molale was convicted of premeditated murder of his partner, Tshepiso Rethabile Medichane (21).
The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the conviction relates to an incident that occurred on 12 August 2024, when Molale and his girlfriend attended a function at his aunt’s place. Gunya said on the evening of that day, they both left function and went home together.
“On their way home, Medichane informed Molale that she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him. The accused got furious, went to a nearby house and borrowed a knife. He attacked the deceased, stabbing her and inflicting 22 wounds. After the brutal attack, he fled the scene. He was subsequently arrested and was denied bail.
“Molale pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, submitted Victim Impact Statements (VIS) from the mother of the deceased, which was facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Molebogeng Oliphant, emphasizing the devastating impact of the crime,” he said.
According to Gunya, Mokgopa argued that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pandemic in the country and urged the court to pass a sentence which is deterrent in nature to show that the courts will not tolerate such violent crimes. He said the Magistrate Bhuti Zulu concurred that no substantial or compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence, leading to the imposition of life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, welcoming the verdict, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and prosecution teams. Makhari said these sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to fighting GBV and ensuring that justice is served.
The Guardian 