The Polokwane High Court has imposed a sentence of life imprisonment plus 33 years on a 30-year-old man for two murders, a serious assault and a theft that took place in June 2021, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reported.
Brutal attacks in one day
Madimabe Mishack Sebelebele, a resident of Smashblock Village in Northam, was convicted after a trial that centred on violent incidents on 4 June 2021. According to the NPA, the court heard that Sebelebele first attacked a complainant after confronting him about an alleged relationship with Sebelebele's girlfriend, Nthabeleng Mohale.
The NPA said Sebelebele struck that man with a beer bottle and stabbed him with a knife. He then searched for Mohale; on finding her he stabbed her to death. In a separate episode later on the same day the accused is reported to have followed and fatally stabbed a second man, Matome Philip Maoto, after an argument at a drinking place and then took Maoto's cellphone.
"He further submitted that the accused committed the second murder while on bail and that the attacks were violent and brutal," NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said during sentencing proceedings, referring to State Advocate Envar Robin Hartnick's submissions.
Court reasoning and previous protections
During sentencing the State told the court that Mohale had applied for a protection order against Sebelebele because she feared for her life. The NPA reported that the State argued there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to depart from prescribed minimum sentences and that the primary objectives of sentencing were prevention and deterrence.
The court concluded that the severity and brutality of the attacks warranted the heavy custodial term handed down on Tuesday, 8 August 2026, the NPA said.
Sentence and charges
Sebelebele had denied the charges of murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and theft, but was nevertheless convicted. The sentence was described by the NPA as among the stiffer penalties imposed recently in the Polokwane High Court.
| Charge | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Murder (Nthabeleng Mohale) | Convicted — Life imprisonment |
| Murder (Matome Philip Maoto) | Convicted — Additional years (part of 33 years) |
| Assault with intent to do GBH (complainant) | Convicted |
| Theft (cellphone) | Convicted |
Community safety and legal consequences
The NPA’s account highlighted that one murder occurred while the accused was out on bail for earlier matters. The State argued that protecting society from individuals who pose a continued threat is central to sentencing. The court’s decision reflects a strict approach where multiple violent offences — particularly those involving repeated attacks in a short period — attract lengthy terms of imprisonment.
Local communities in Northam and surrounding areas have been left to process the impact of two lives lost and one person grievously harmed in a single day. The sentencing sends a clear message about the gravity with which the courts view violent crime that follows domestic disputes and public altercations.
Practical context for readers
What this means locally:
- Victims and families can seek updates and support through the NPA Victim Empowerment Programme and local victim-support NGOs, which help with court processes and trauma services.
- Those fearing for their safety should consider protection orders and report threats to their nearest police station so police can open a case and pursue protection measures.
- Community members who witnessed the events or have information relating to similar cases can provide statements to assist prosecutions; such cooperation can strengthen court outcomes.
The NPA provided the details of the case in its media statement following the sentence. The court record and sentencing judgment will provide the full legal reasoning and any details of appeals if they are lodged.
This report is based on the NPA account of proceedings at the Polokwane High Court as summarised by media on 8 August 2026.
