POLOKWANE REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES THE ACCUSED, ELSON KWENA MALEBANA (37), TO 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

POLOKWANE REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES THE ACCUSED, ELSON KWENA MALEBANA (37), TO 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

POLOKWANE: On Thursday, 11 September 2025, Polokwane Regional Court sentenced a 37-year-old accused, Elson Kwena Malebana to 20 years imprisonment for the murder of a 33-year-old woman (girlfriend) at Ga Makgakga Mmotong village at Moletjie.

The court noted that on Sunday, 17 December 2023, the accused, Elson, was with the victim, a 33-year-old female, at the tavern when an unknown man, who is suspected to be the second boyfriend of the victim, emerged, and the altercation ensued.

The accused then grabbed the victim and fled the scene to the accused’s place.

On arrival at his home, the accused physically assaulted the victim’ pushed her to the wall, stoned her to death’ and fled the scene, leaving her unconscious.

The neighbours notified the police about the incident, and the emergency medical services were immediately summoned to the scene and certified the woman dead.

A murder case was opened, and the docket was transferred to the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit, and Warrant Officer Lesiba Frans Mohlabi was tasked with further investigations, and the accused was arrested the same day.

Bail was opposed until six months later when the court granted him R1000 bail. The accused later admitted to the offences and was found guilty and sentenced on Thursday, 11 September 2025, for murder: 20 years imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the sentencing meted out by the court. She also encouraged couples to seek professional help when dealing with domestic issues.