POTCHEFSTROOM: The 44-year-old Simon Nthutang Makgetla was on Friday, 01 November 2019 sentenced by the Itsoseng Regional Court to 15 years imprisonment for the murder of his wife and four years imprisonment for assaulting his step-sons.

The sentences stems from an incident which occurred on Saturday, 12 December 2015 at Verdwaal 2 village near Itsoseng. It came out during the court proceedings that police were called to a scene of murder where they found upon arrival at about 23:45, the body of Lebogang Makgetla in a pool of blood in the kitchen. The victim, then aged 40 was stabbed with a knife by the accused following an argument. It was reported at the time of incident that the stepsons, William Sekolo (24) and Letlhogonolo Sekolo (22) where in their bedroom when they heard their mom’s screams. The accused attacked and stabbed the pair when they went to investigate. As a result, they sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention.

Following the incident, Makgetla was traced and arrested a few days later for murder and two counts of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. The accused was eventually found guilty and sentenced as follows:

Count 1: Murder � 15 years imprisonment;

Count 2: Assault GBH of William Sekolo � 2 years imprisonment;

Count 3: Assault GBH of Letlhogonolo Sekolo � 2 years imprisonment.

He was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). The sentences will not run concurrently.

Source: South African Police Service