Daughter Admits to Killing her Father, Blames Traditional Healer

(The Post News)– A 28-year-old, Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape, has been convicted for murder by the Polikwane High Court after pleading guilty to the gruesome murder of her father, Dr Malekutu Mehlape, on 28 December 2023.

According to Crime Watch SA, Dr Mehlape, who was a circuit manager at the Limpopo Department of Education, was killed at his home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane.

In a statement shared on X, Crime Watch SA highlighted that Mehlape was convicted in terms of section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court sentenced her to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years imprisonment for robbery, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34), and Michael Sello Molongoane (42) were also charged alongside Mehlape. They are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition.

They also revealed that the trial for the accused has been separated and postponed to 20 June 2025 in the Polokwane High Court.

Mehlape, the accused number one, told the court that she orchestrated the murder following claims made by a traditional healer, Mogotlane (Accused 3), who pointed to her father as the main suspect responsible for her mother’s death through the use of “muthi”. The court heard that when attempts to avenge using traditional means were unsuccessful, Mehlape reached out to family members for assistance in hiring a hitman with an agreement of R200 000 payment for the murder.

Crime Watch detailed the events leading to Dr Mehlape’s murder, noting that Miss Mehlape gave the criminals entry to the residence on the night of the murder by unlocking the main door and gate. The criminals then ambushed the deceased in his bedroom while he was asleep, shooting him several times and stealing some of his belongings, including his phone. According to Crime Watch, a car and a firearm believed to have been used during the crime were seized during the arrests in Mankweng and Zebediela.

After pleading guilty, Mehlape apologised to her family, citing that she is taking care of her one-year-nine-month-old daughter and had unresolved disputes with her father. However, the State Advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that Mehlape’s guilty plea was motivated by enormous evidence put before her rather than genuine remorse. Ratshibvumo described the murder as “gruesome and heartless” and urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence.