By Teboho Moloi
HARRISMITH – The Bloemfontein High Court, sitting in the Harrismith Circuit Court, has sentenced two QwaQwa men to lengthy prison terms for two separate murders committed in 2024 and 2025.
Masoeu Jacob Molefi was handed life imprisonment for the murder of Vusi Lucky Maseko (32) and an additional 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. His sentences will run concurrently.
Madudu Edward Mofokeng (47) was sentenced to 22 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of his partner, Puleng Maleka (47).
The court commended swift police investigation work, which ensured both cases were ready for trial within months.
The court heard that on 7 August 2024, around 09:00, Molefi and an accomplice forcefully took a taxi from Setsing Complex with Maseko inside. They drove to Paballong Village, where Maseko was strangled with a cloth and robbed of his cellphone and R10.
His body was later discovered buried in a shallow grave.In a separate case, the court found that Mofokeng stabbed Maleka multiple times after she told him she no longer wanted to live with him.
On 1 February 2025, the pair had been walking home from a local tavern when they stopped at a friend’s house. Maleka went to the bedroom, but Mofokeng insisted she leave with him.When she refused, he pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed her. He continued assaulting her as they walked outside.
“The victim collapsed outside the house, where the accused proceeded to cut her throat. She succumbed to her injuries and was declared dead at the scene,” police said.
Mofokeng then attempted to take his own life by stabbing himself in the neck, but survived after being taken to Manapo Hospital. He was later arrested and charged.
Both men will serve their sentences in a correctional facility.
