Man gets life imprisonment for murder of girlfriend

DICHOEUNG – The Limpopo division of the High Court in Polokwane has convicted and sentenced a 40 year-old Ronny Maredi from Dichoeung Village outside Marble Hall to life imprisonment for murder of his former girlfriend and seven years for defeating the ends of justice.

During the trial, the court heard that the accused and the deceased were in a love relationship and were staying together. However, the relationship was toxic. On 18 January 2021 in the early hours of the morning, the accused assaulted the deceased, Ellaine Thato Madihlaba (31) and their four year-old child with an object unknown to the state.

The state witness, who is uncle to the deceased, and was residing in the same house with them, testified that he heard the deceased asking the accused why he was assaulting her and later, the deceased succumbed to the injuries inflicted on her.

He further told the court that the accused asked him to lie about the death of his niece to the police. The child also testified and told the court that the accused assaulted her mother several times and he is no longer her father because he killed her.

In aggravation of sentence, the state Advocate Lerato Mohlaka referred to the Victim Impact Statement facilitated by the court preparation officer, Morongwe Moifo. The state submitted to the court that it should not lose sight as the accused is facing a serious offence and he had a protection order opened by the deceased.

She further said that the court should know that the little child was denied an opportunity to be raised by her biological mother because of the accused. Mohlaka concluded that the accused showed no remorse throughout the trial and the family never received an apology.

In sentencing, acting Judge Sharon Mthimkhulu remarked that the violence between men and women is endemic in South Africa and that the court must protect the women, adding that it is the most difficult task.

Mthimkhulu indicated that the court should also evaluate evidence, be cautious and be convinced by all factors, lastly, consider the interest of the society.

The National Prosecuting Authority stated that it is against Gender-Based Violence and hoped that the perpetrators of the crime will learn from the sentence imposed.

The NPA further commended the good work done by Advocate Mohlaka and the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Cedric Monakedi of the Elandskraal Police Station.