MURDER ACCUSED SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT
POLOKWANE: The Limpopo Division of the High Court sitting in Polokwane has today, on Thursday, 05 March 2026, sentenced 52-year-old Ishmael “Monyoso” Ngoako to an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of Salminah Sedie (43).
The incident occurred on 26 July 2024 at Phalala, under the Villa Nora policing area in the Waterberg District. It is reported that the accused and the deceased were involved in a heated argument which ultimately resulted in the fatal attack on the victim.
The case was assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Tebele Mafokoane of the Villa Nora Detectives. Following a thorough and intensive investigation, despite pressure from the family and community for swift justice, the investigating officer remained committed to ensuring that all evidence was properly gathered to secure a conviction.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and appeared before the Phalala District Court. The matter was later transferred to the Limpopo Division of the High Court sitting in Polokwane for trial.
Today, the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the sentence, commending the investigating officer for dedication and perseverance in ensuring justice for the victim and her family.
“The sentence sends a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face the full might of the law,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
