By Staff Reporter
KURANTA – The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 32-year-old Takume Edmond Motshekga to two life terms plus 15 years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Among his victims was his wife, Constable Mahlatse Precious Machubeni, a police officer stationed at Mokwakwaila SAPS.
According to court evidence, on 1 January 2022, in Kuranta village, Motshekga had a heated phone argument with his wife before asking her cousin, Pontsho Sekumane, to accompany him to fetch her from a friend’s house. Upon arrival, the argument resumed and turned violent.
Motshekga fatally shot his wife and, when Sekumane refused to hand over car keys, shot and killed him toobefore fleeing the scene.
On his way, Motshekga encountered Louis Makhurupetji and another person, firing at them — killing Makhurupetjiand injuring the other victim. He later handed himself over to Giyani Police Station, where he was arrested.
During the trial, Motshekga denied the murders, claiming provocation by his wife. However, forensic evidence and witness testimony proved overwhelming, leading to his conviction.
In aggravation, Advocate Nkhetheni Munyai described the crimes as “brutal and premeditated,” emphasizing Motshekga’s jealousy and disregard for human life. Delivering sentence, Judge Jane Ngobeni said, “If the deceased knew that you were going to kill her, she would not have accepted your proposal.”
The court imposed two life sentences for the double murders and an additional 15 years for the third count, with all sentences to run concurrently.
Welcoming the judgment, Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, praised the courage of the surviving victim and commended Warrant Officer Doit Malebe and the prosecution team for their exceptional work.
“This verdict demonstrates that violent crimes, particularly those against vulnerable victims, will not be tolerated,” said Thenga.
