Limpopo man jailed for life for murder of his 66-year-old aunt

A 27-year-old man from Limpopo has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he was convicted of fatally attacking his 66-year-old aunt at her homestead. The sentence was handed down at the Polokwane High Court on 17 August 2026.

What happened

The National Prosecuting Authority said Pholosho Arbitrators Mangoale attacked his aunt, Keepye Jolina Ramogayana, at her homestead in Ga-Maila Mapitsane. The court heard that the attack occurred on 18 July 2025, and that a witness saw Mangoale at the property carrying a garden fork.

The prosecution presented evidence that Mangoale fatally assaulted Ramogayana with a knife and a garden fork.

“The deceased was later discovered lying in a pool of blood. The accused was also found at the scene.”

Arrest and court process

The court was told that Mangoale was found at the scene and was arrested after police were alerted and responded. Evidence presented at sentencing included testimony that Mangoale’s mother found him at home wearing blood-stained sneakers and had believed he was in Gauteng at the time. Mangoale pleaded not guilty.

Sentencing and aggravation

During sentencing, state Advocate Malatji Matibidi led evidence in aggravation through testimony from the deceased’s son, who described the impact of the murder on the family and community. The court heard that Ramogayana had dedicated herself to caring for orphans, assisting with the establishment of crèches, and serving as a priest.

The prosecution argued that the victim’s advanced age warranted a life sentence in terms of the Criminal Law Amendment Act and described the killing as an act of gender-based violence, urging the court to send a deterrent message.

Reaction from the prosecution

The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomed the sentence, saying:

“It can never be overemphasised how important human life is, and therefore we will be vigorous in our pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers.”

The NPA said it remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes against women, the elderly and other vulnerable persons are held accountable and face the full might of the law.