The man accused of the brutal killing of Lebogang Lediga, who was strangled to death in a hit organised by her mother, has been convicted and sentenced to life behind bars.
Ngoako Mabetlela was convicted by the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo for the murder-for-hire.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident took place in May 2020, where the convict arrived at the homestead of the deceased and strangled her to death.
It was reported that after the incident, the deceased’s mother cleaned her daughter’s body and changed her clothes before police could arrive. The mother pleaded guilty to the crime in 2022, and is serving a 20 year sentence for the crime.
On Tuesday, the NPA revealed that Mabetlela killed Lediga at the request of her mother in exchange for payment.
NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the deceased’s mother was motivated by financial gain from the funeral insurance payout.
“In aggravation of the sentence, the state advocate Malebo Maleka has submitted that the deceased died a painful death, and that the offence was premeditated.
“She then said that the accused had a chance to report the deceased’s mother to the police, however, he never did as he had an interest in the payment,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
The court further argued that there are no substantial or compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
“As the NPA we serve the best interest of the society and we are pleased with the good work done by the state advocate and investigating officer,” Malabi-Dzhangi concluded.
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