Murder trial of Limpopo education manager Dr Mehlape resumes
Murder trial of Limpopo education manager Dr Mehlape resumes at the Polokwane High Court
The trial of three individuals involved in the murder of Dr Johannes Mehlape, an education manager, is set to resume at the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo. Dr Mehlape was fatally shot at his residence in December 2023. His daughter, Mologadi Mehlape, orchestrated the hit following a consultation with a traditional healer who blamed Dr Mehlape for her mother's death through the use of a potion or "muthi".
Mologadi Mehlape and the healer, Hlologelo Mogotlane, have pleaded guilty to the murder and have since been sentenced to jail terms. Additionally, video footage shows that Mologadi Mehlape's aunt, Mahlodi Mathole, and two alleged hitmen, Gabriel Ranoto and Sello Molongoana, will appear in court on Wednesday. The state's investigation revealed that Mologadi Mehlape enlisted her maternal aunt to carry out the murder after repeated attempts to avenge her mother's death through muthi failed.
Mehlape hired a contract killer and agreed to pay 200,000 rand for the murder. Dr Mehlape was killed while asleep at home, and his vehicle and possessions were stolen. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has since separated the trial due to the guilty plea of his daughter and the traditional healer.
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