Man gets 20 years for partner’s murder

By Staff Reporter

BETHLEHEM – Malefetsane Alfred Motloung (37) has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2024 after being convicted of the murder of his life partner. 

The court heard during the trial that in the early hours of 29 October 2023, Motloung was visiting a nearby farm of Dreiden in the district of Bethlehem with his partner, Mantwa Mokoena (29), for a drinking spree. 
It was further discovered that a fight broke out between the two, and the people that were with this couple tried to stop them. They reported that in self-defence, the victim flung a beer bottle at the accused. After some time, they left to their place in Morning Glory Farm.

On their way, the accused started to assault the deceased, kicking her and ended up breaking her ribs. He left her under a tree lying on the ground at Grootfontein Farm. He went to wake up the foreman and told him they had a problem with his partner. They walked together to the scene of the crime. 

On arrival at the scene, the foreman informed the police, who came and arrested the suspect. During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the victim was also having a protection order against the accused. He used to assault her, and she opened a case at Rouxville SAPS in October 2023. A year later, he killed her.

He was detained until he was sentenced for the murder of his partner. The case was investigated by WO Jan Taljaard of the Bethlehem detectives, who ensured that justice is served for all women who are suffering at the hands of their partners. One abuser sent to prison is a win for the women in the country.