Limpopo Son Sentenced to Life for Father’s Brutal Murder

Tragedy in Leeuwfontein

A small Limpopo village has been shaken by a family tragedy. Joseph Phaahla, 28, of Leeuwfontein, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his father, Simon Mothoa, in what the court described as a “brutal and unprovoked” act of violence.

On 17 October 2023, a verbal argument between father and son escalated fatally. According to court records, Phaahla grabbed a spade and struck his father multiple times on the head, leaving Mothoa dead at the scene. Police were called immediately, and Phaahla was arrested.

Court proceedings and sentencing

At the Groblersdal Regional Court, Phaahla pleaded guilty to murder. During sentencing, the State Prosecutor, Sifiso Miya, presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) highlighting the devastating effect on Mothoa’s family, particularly his wife and her children, who lost a protector and breadwinner.

The pre-sentence report also noted that Phaahla showed no remorse for his actions. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) argued there were no compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

Justice was swift. In addition to the life sentence, the court declared Phaahla unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act.

NPA welcomes verdict

Advocate Ivy Thenga, head of the NPA in Limpopo, emphasized the importance of upholding human life.

“Human life is invaluable. We will continue to pursue these cases vigorously to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers,” Thenga said, commending all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.

Broader context

South Africa has grappled with high rates of violent crime, including domestic and familial violence. Cases like Phaahla’s underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in addressing domestic disputes that spiral into lethal violence. Social media reactions from Limpopo residents have expressed both shock and reliefshock at the brutality, but relief that justice was delivered.

In related criminal proceedings

In a separate case, four suspects remain behind bars in East London after allegedly kidnapping a 34-year-old Pakistani national on 25 August 2025. The suspectsPhumulelo Jakuja, Sophumelela Devillers Mani, Sihle Disani, and Sanele Dumakude, appeared at the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday. No next court date has been set, according to Hawks provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba.

{Source: The Citizen}

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