Nkateko Masha, 24, was found guilty of killing his 17-year-old girlfriend, Gontse Malatji, and was given a 15-year prison sentence with five years suspended by a South African high court.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Henry Mamothame, the regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) North West Division, stated that Masha had been found unable to possess a handgun.
His conviction stems from an incident that happened in Stinkwater near Moretele on November 16, 2021, where he confronted his girlfriend who was at his house at the time.
After viewing pictures of her on Facebook, he accused her of infidelity. Following a disagreement, the girlfriend decided to break up with him.
He entered a guilty plea and was given R1000 bail by the court.
To have the sentence increased, state prosecutor Mpho Matlala asked the court to take into account the high rate of femicide in the nation and further stated that being in a relationship does not give any partner the right to kill if there is a disagreement.
Before imposing a sentence on the accused, Magistrate Gilbert Sono acknowledged the state’s position and took into account the fact that he is a young, first-time offender who may benefit from rehabilitation.
The prosecutor and Constable Kekana of the South African Police Service were praised by Dr. Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, for their cooperation in providing justice to the deceased’s family.
She urged all community organizations to bolster their teaching initiatives against femicide and gender-based violence.
But when she opted to spend the night in his outdoor room, he took a knife and fatally stabbed her while she was asleep.
After that, he ran away to a nearby bush and used a knife to cut his hands in an attempt to end his life.
Later, he decided not to kill himself and returned home to tell his story before turning himself into the police.
