By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Delvy Masilu Malatji (37) of Ramotshinyadi Village to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, as well as for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The sentence was handed down on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Malatji’s conviction stems from a tragic incident that occurred on Monday, 19 August 2024, at about 19h00 in Ramotshinyadi Village, within the Mokwakwaila policing area under the Mopani District. According to court records, the accused went to the victim’s parental home and later located her at a neighbour’s house. Following a domestic dispute, he shot her several times, killing her at the scene.
After the shooting, Malatji fled but was swiftly arrested by the police. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He was subsequently charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The case was investigated by Sergeant Ngobeni Sizeka Collars of the Mokwakwaila Investigating Unit.
The court imposed the following sentences:
- Count 1 (Murder): 20 years’ imprisonment
- Count 2 (Unlawful possession of a firearm): 5 years’ imprisonment
- Count 3 (Unlawful possession of ammunition): 2 years’ imprisonment
The court further ordered that counts 2 and 3 run concurrently with count 1, resulting in an effective sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Malatji was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer, the prosecution team, and all role players involved.
“This is a successful prosecution that sends a strong message that crimes of gender-based violence will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe
