A 39-year-old man from Olievenhoutbosch has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his girlfriend seven years ago.
Ngagalela Kekana (39) was given a life term for the murder of his girlfriend, Realeboga Georgina Joels in 2022.
The judgment was delivered at the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, Kekana and Joels were in a relationship for seven years.
Mahanjana said the tragic incident occurred on the night of October 21, 2022, after the couple returned from a local tuck shop to Joel’s rented shack.
She said that an argument broke out between them, during which Kekana shot Joels in the head, resulting in her death at the scene.
“The following morning, Kekana approached a neighbour, claiming that Joels had been injured and left, said Mahanjana.
Mahanjana said the concerned neighbour approached the landlady, and together they went to Joel’s shack.
She added that upon entering, they discovered Joels’ naked body on the bed, with her head wrapped in a towel soaked in blood.
“The neighbour then called the police and community members. When the community arrived at the scene, Kekana also returned,” stated Mahanjana.
“Upon his return, he was arrested and has remained in custody since.”
Mahanjana said Kekana pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintaining that he was not present at the time of Joels’ death.
The state advocate David Molokomme however presented compelling evidence and called witnesses who conclusively proved Kekana’s guilt.
“During the sentencing proceedings, Kekana’s legal representative requested the court consider alternatives to the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the two years he spent in custody awaiting trial,” stated Manjana.
“Molokomme argued intensely for life imprisonment, emphasising both the severity of the offence and its prevalence in South Africa,” she said.
According to Mahanjana, Molokomme said the victim had been killed by her partner, a person who should have been her protector, especially given that she did not have family in Gauteng.
She added that Molokomme also handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer (CPO) Lebogang Lebese, in which the landlady, who was also a friend of the deceased, expressed her grief over the loss.
“She noted that Joels had no family in Gauteng; she only had three dogs, which were given away after her death; however, one of the dogs continues to visit her home daily,” said Mahanjana.
“Not only that, she was also left with the burden of having to bury her friend since her family in the Free State was unable to,” she added.
Manhajana said Judge Masopa concurred with the state’s position, noting Kekana’s lack of remorse and the brutal nature of the crime.
She stated that the judge emphasised that no sentence could bring back the deceased or heal the hearts of those affected by his actions.
“Therefore, the judge said Kekane needed to be permanently removed from society so that children and women could live knowing that he can never harm them,” said Mahanjana.
According to Manhajana, the judge found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
She said after being sentenced, Kekana applied for leave to appeal his conviction and sentence.
Manjana added that the state successfully opposed this application, which was subsequently denied.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence, reiterating its commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.
“We will continue to prioritise such serious matters, ensuring that justice is served for victims and that violent offenders are held accountable,” she concluded.
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