Fifteen years imprisonment for GBV related murder

LETHLABILE – A Fifteen year direct imprisonment was handed down to a 44-year-old murderer, Ishmael Mofolo by the North Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria. Mofolo was sentenced in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Florence Bongo (43), at Checkers Section, Maboloka Village near Brits. Evidence was led in court that on Thursday, 04 April 2022, the convict was called by his brother who wanted to find out the reason why he (the convict) and his girlfriend failed to arrive at Letlhabile Mall as agreed. In his response, he told his brother that he did something terrible and hung up the phone.

The brother together with his sister went to their parental residence where the accused was residing. Upon arrival, they knocked at the door, but there was no response. They then forced entry by breaking the door open and eventually found Bongo’s lifeless body inside the house and covered with blood. It was established that Mofolo drank poison in an attempt to commit suicide. The police were called to the crime scene and Mofolo was apprehended and transported to the local hospital where he was placed under police guard. After appearing in court, he was granted bail which was withdrawn after being found guilty.

Lieutenant General Kwena applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Julius Nkgoeng from Letlhabile Detectives and all other role players including prosecution for their excellent collaboration which he said will send a stern warning that those who perpetrate Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will be dealt with effectively by law.