Polokwane man jailed for 18 years after student’s decomposed body found in house

A Polokwane man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after the decomposed body of a Tzaneen TVET College student was discovered in a house linked to him. Humphrey Makgoba Malale, 37, was convicted and sentenced recently in the Polokwane High Court for the murder of Moshibudi Mashumo.

When the student was last seen and discovery of the body

Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Mashumo was last seen on Valentine’s Day 2025. Two days later, on 17 February 2025 at around 7:30pm, Mashumo’s decomposed body was discovered inside a house linked to the accused.

Arrest, custody and plea agreement

A murder case was opened and, on 30 October 2025, a warrant of arrest was executed against Malale. After his arrest, the investigating officer opposed his release on bail, and Malale remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing, Ledwaba said.

Malale entered into a plea and sentence agreement in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000.

Police response and remarks

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and the units involved for their work in bringing the accused before the court.

“This sentence sends a clear message that the police will continue to pursue perpetrators of serious and violent crimes until they face justice.”

“I commend our detectives and tracking team for their dedication and commitment throughout this investigation. We remain determined to secure justice for victims and their families,” Scheepers added.

Investigation and enforcement

The police statement noted the investigation led to the arrest and conviction, and that authorities opposed bail during the proceedings. The sentence and firearm declaration were handed down following the Section 105A plea and sentence agreement at the Polokwane High Court.