21/08/2026
*MEDIA STATEMENT*
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner: Limpopo
To all Media
Friday, 21 August 2026
*FORMER SANDF MEMBER SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND*
*POLOKWANE:* The South African Police Service in Limpopo welcomes the conviction and sentencing of a 42-year-old man, Thabo Lawrence Monyane, who was sentenced to 18 years' direct imprisonment for the murder of his 34-year-old girlfriend, Eniphe Sebolaishi Leso.
The sentence was handed down by the Polokwane High Court on Thursday, 20 August 2026, following a trial that commenced on Monday, 17 August 2026. The accused pleaded guilty to the murder charge. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The murder occurred at Ga-Malepetleke Village in the Mahwelereng policing area, Waterberg District, on Friday, 05 December 2025 at approximately 21:10.
According to police investigations, the victim was walking along a street in the village with her friend when the accused, who was her boyfriend at the time, approached them in a maroon Hyundai i20.
An argument allegedly ensued after the accused confronted the victim and accused her of being unfaithful to him. He subsequently attacked and stabbed her several times with a sharp object. The accused 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 victim was certified dead.
Following intensive police investigations, the suspect was arrested. The suspected murder weapon and a bloodstained T-shirt were also seized and secured as exhibits for further investigation.
The accused made his first appearance before the Mahwelereng Magistrate's Court on Monday, 08 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.
The investigation was conducted by Sergeant Martin Dutja, whose meticulous investigation ensured that the case was successfully presented before court and resulted in the conviction and lengthy prison sentence.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has welcomed the sentence and commended Sergeant Dutja and all members involved in the investigation.
“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. 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,” said Lieutenant General Scheepers.
The accused was reportedly serving as a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) at the time of the offence.
Ends
*Enquiries Colonel Malesela Ledwaba @ 082 451 7180*
