By Kabelo Abel Mokgalabone
POLOKWANE– The Limpopo Division of High Court in Polokwane has sentenced 19-year-old Brian Mugwira to 22 years in prison for the brutal murder of 17-year-old Motjatji Thoka from Mokomene village, whose dismembered body was discovered following her disappearance.
Motjatji went missing from her home on 5 January 2024.
After an extensive investigation and frantic search operation, her remains were found on 8January 2024 in the yard of an occupied house, with several body parts missing.
Mugwira and his compatriot, Tatenda Sithole (36), were identified as suspects and arrested.
Sithole was apprehended on 16 January 2024 at a rental property in Mokomene village, while Mugwira was arrested on 26 January in the mountains near Ndzelele village, Thohoyandou, where he was found with some of the victim’s body parts.
Both accused were initially refused bail during the trial.
On 17 October 2024, Brian Mugwira pleaded guilty to murder and received his sentence.
Mugwira was the boyfriend of Modjadji Thoka at the time of her disappearance and consequent killing.
Tatenda Sithole has pleaded not guilty, with his trial set to begin on 2 June 2025.
