Former SANDF member sentenced to 18 years for killing girlfriend

A 42-year-old former South African National Defence Force (Sandf) member has been sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for murdering his girlfriend in Ga-Malepetleke village, Limpopo.

Thabo Lawrence Monyane was sentenced by the Polokwane High Court, after pleading guilty to the murder of 34-year-old Eniphe Sebolaishi Leso.

Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the murder took place on December 5 2025 at about 9.10pm in the Waterberg district.

“Leso was walking along a street in the village with a friend when Monyane approached them in a maroon Hyundai i20. An argument allegedly broke out after Monyane confronted Leso and accused her of being unfaithful,” says Ledwaba.

Ledwaba further explained that Monyane allegedly attacked and stabbed Leso several times with a sharp object before getting into his vehicle and fleeing the scene.

Leso was left lying in a pool of blood and was later declared dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

The suspected murder weapon and a bloodstained T-shirt were seized as exhibits.

Monyane appeared before the Mahwelereng magistrate’s court on December 8 2025, where he was denied bail. He remained in custody until the matter was transferred to the Polokwane High Court.

The investigation was led by Sgt Martin Dutja, whose work helped secure the conviction.

Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence and commended Dutja and other officers involved in the investigation.

“This sentence demonstrates the commitment of the SAPS to thoroughly investigate cases of violence against women and ensure that perpetrators are brought before the courts,” he said.