By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE-Self-proclaimed prophet Mothupi Tau Talane has been sentenced to multiple life terms by the Polokwane High Court for the murder and assault of Hellen Teiwa Malepe and her daughter, Kgaugelo Malepe, at The Oaks village near Hoedspruit.
The crimes took place between 29 December 2023.
Talane, 35, from the Burgersfort area, had been invited to the Malepe household for a ritual consultation. During the visit, he turned violent, attacking the family and leaving two victims dead.
A five-year-old child who was in the home at the time survived and later assisted police with information.
The High Court found Talane guilty on several charges, resulting in life imprisonment on multiple counts, with the remaining sentences running concurrently. Life imprisonment remains the effective outcome.
Talane was arrested shortly after the incident with the support of community members. He first appeared in the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024, and after several postponements the matter proceeded to the Polokwane High Court, where sentencing was finally delivered.
Hellen managed to tell relatives what had happened before she passed away at a nearby clinic. Her daughter, Kgaugelo, a second-year student at Tshwane University of Technology, was also found deceased inside the home. The incident caused shock and outrage in The Oaks and surrounding villages.
Maruleng Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Tsheko Musolwa, welcomed the sentence, describing it as a firm stand against violent crimes targeting women and children. He commended the police for their thorough investigation and said he hoped the Malepe family would find some comfort knowing the perpetrator will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
He further emphasised that the judgment sends a clear warning to anyone who intends to commit similar crimes that the law will always catch up with them.
Residents of The Oaks have expressed relief following the sentencing, saying it brings closure to a painful chapter for both the Malepe family and the community.
