In a harrowing case from Limpopo, South Africa, a man has been handed a life sentence for the murder of a woman, planned by her own mother, who wanted to benefit from an insurance payout.
The Polokwane High Court found Ngoako Japhter Mabetlela, 34, guilty and subsequently sentenced him to life imprisonment for the killing of Lebogang Prudence Lediga.
The murder was committed at the request of Lediga's mother, who offered payment amounting to R18,000 in return.
Stephina, Lediga's mother, had already admitted to the murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year.
Her motivation for the crime stemmed from the financial gain she anticipated through insurance claims, although the exact amount she expected to receive remained undisclosed.
According to reports, on the evening of May 28, 2020, Mabetlela arrived at Lediga's home and strangled her to death.
Following the incident, the victim's mother washed the body and changed the clothes before the arrival of the police, as stated by NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
Malabi-Dzhangi explained, "The accused murdered the deceased as per her mother's request in exchange for payment. The mother's desire for financial gain from the insurance payout drove her involvement."
During the sentencing, State advocate Malebo Maleka emphasized the cruel nature of the victim's death and insisted that the offense had been premeditated.
Maleka also highlighted that the accused had the opportunity to report the mother's involvement to the police but refrained from doing so due to his own vested interest in the payment.
Arguing against any mitigating circumstances, Maleka stated, "There are no substantial or compelling reasons for the court to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence."
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, Malabi-Dzhangi praised the efforts of advocate Maleka and Sergeant Lekgema Joseph Molepo from Mankweng police station, emphasizing that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) always prioritizes the best interests of society.
Source - IOL.com
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