Parents’ concerns cannot override adult’s choice of life partner: Allahabad High Court

The Polokwane High Court has imposed a severe sentence of life imprisonment plus an additional 33 years on a 30-year-old man from Smashblock Village in Northam. Madimabe Mishack Sebelebele appeared in court on Tuesday, August 8, 2026, charged with murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and theft. The trial revealed that Sebelebele had confronted his girlfriend, Nthabeleng Mohale, about an alleged affair, leading him to hit her with a beer bottle and stab her with a knife.

Later that same day, Sebelebele stabbed Matome Philip Maoto to death in a drinking place and stole his cellphone. Upon finding Nthabeleng Mohale, Sebelebele stabbed her to death. Nthabeleng had applied for a protection order against Sebelebele due to fear for her life, and the State Prosecution argued that the attacks were violent and brutal.

The court emphasized the importance of human life and the need for consequences for unlawfully taking a life. The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo commended the prosecution and investigation team for their diligent work.