Traditional Healer Jailed Over 30 Years For Killing Limpopo Education Official

A 36-year-old traditional healer has been handed an effective 33-year prison term for the killing of a senior official from the Limpopo Department of Education.

Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane was sentenced in the Polokwane High Court on Monday after pleading guilty to the murder of Circuit Manager Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape.

The crime took place on 28 December 2023 at the victim’s residence in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane.

Polokwane High Court Imposes 33-Year Prison Term On Traditional Healer 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that the court sentenced Mogotlane to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder and 13 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences will run concurrently.

The court also ruled that Mogotlane is unfit to possess a firearm.

Malabi said three co-accused — Tshepo Gabriel Ranoto (34), Mahlodi Melida Mathole (34), and Michael Sello Molongoane (42) — appeared alongside Mogotlane. They face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

“The trial for these accused has been separated and postponed to 2-13 November 2026 in the Polokwane High Court,” Malabi said.

Court Hears Details of Deadly Plot

During proceedings, the court was told that Mehlape had consulted Mogotlane following her mother’s death. Mogotlane allegedly claimed that her father had caused her mother’s death through the use of “muthi”.

When traditional retaliation efforts allegedly failed, Mehlape sought assistance from relatives to arrange a contract killing. An amount of R200,000 was reportedly agreed upon.

“In his plea, Mogotlane acknowledged that his conduct was unlawful and that he should have disengaged and reported the matter to the police. He also accepted his responsibility for his role in the offences to cause the death of Dr Mehlape,” Malapi said.

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“The court remarked that the community expect it to punish the accused for his wrongdoings. The sentence must be a deterrent to would-be offenders. The accused is the instigator, as he told the deceased’s child that her mother was poisoned, and the results of his prediction led us to where we are today.

Malabi added that the court heard that Mehlape “died for nothing.”

“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and life sentence, viewing it as a clear affirmation of the justice system’s resolve to hold perpetrators of serious and violent crimes accountable.

“This outcome underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and securing justice for victims and their families,” Malabi said.

The case has once again placed a spotlight on contract killings and the devastating impact they leave on families and communities.