Polokwane – Former soldier, Thabo Lawrence Monyane, who was convicted of the murder of his 34-year-old girlfriend, Eniphe Sebolaishi Leso, has been slapped with an 18-year prison sentence.
Monyane pleaded guilty to the 2025 murder that occurred at Ga-Malepetleke Village in the Mahwelereng policing area, Waterberg District.
The trial, which began on Monday, 17 August 2026, saw the 42-year-old former South African Defence Force (SANDF) member admit in court that he killed his girlfriend in a fit of jealous rage on 5 December 2025, at about 21:10.
On that fateful Friday, Leso was walking along a street in the village with a male friend when Monyane, who was her boyfriend at the time, approached them in a maroon Hyundai i20.
Monyane confronted Leso and accused her of being unfaithful.
An argument ensued before Monyane became violent, stabbing Leso several times with a sharp object.
The SANDF member then got into his vehicle and fled the scene, leaving the victim lying in a pool of blood.
Emergency Medical Services personnel were summoned to the scene, where the 34-year-old woman was certified dead.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said following intensive investigations, Monyane was arrested.
“The suspected murder weapon and a bloodstained T-shirt were also seized and secured as exhibits for further investigation,” Colonel Ledwaba said.
“The accused made his first appearance before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 December 2025, where bail was denied.
“He remained in custody while the investigation continued until the matter was subsequently transferred to the Polokwane High Court for trial.”
On Thursday, 20 August 2026, the Polokwane High Court sentenced Monyane to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder.
Commenting on the matter, South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers said: “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 added: “The brutal killing of women, particularly within intimate relationships, remains a serious concern.
“We will continue working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide face the full might of the law.”
Lieutenant General Scheepers commended lead investigator Sergeant Martin Dutja and his team.
