The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa

16/06/2026

PENSIONER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR R**E OF HIS GREAT- GRANDCHILD

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down on a 70-year-old pensioner by the KwaMhlanga Regional Court for the r**e of his nine-year-old great-grandchild in August 2020. The incident happened at Kwa Mhlanga where the accused and the victim resided. The accused’s name is withheld from the statement to protect the victim from secondary victimisation.

On 10 August 2020, the accused dropped off the victim at her paternal family’s home while accompanying his wife to a ceremony in KwaVezubuhle. Late that evening, the accused returned to collect the victim and proceeded to his home. When they arrived home, the victim went to sleep on the floor, which was her usual place in the accused's room. While sleeping, the accused picked her up from the floor, placed her on the bed, and r**ed her. When done, the accused threatened to assault the victim if she informed anyone about the r**e.
The incident came to light in September 2020, when the victim was watching a television programme where a woman had been r**ed. This prompted her to confide in her mother about the ordeal. The victim was taken to Kwa Mhlanga Hospital where she received medical treatment and psychosocial support.

In court, the accused pleaded not guilty and denied ever ra**ng the victim. Instead, he alleged that the victim’s grandmother had fabricated the allegations against him. State Prosecutor Biance Harmse presented strong evidence of the victim. She testified in detail about how the r**e occurred and explained that the accused had applied lotion before ra**ng her. She further testified that she only learned about the concept of r**e during Life Skills lessons at school. The victim's grandmother testified. A J88 Medical report showing injuries was presented to the court. The court rejected the accused’s version as a bare denial and found that the state’s evidence, including the corroborated testimony, was credible and reliable.
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Harmse addressed the court that the accused had destroyed the victim’s life instead of protecting her, as her great-grandfather had ruined the victim’s life, and the victim will continue to relive the ordeal, emphasising the seriousness of the offence the accused was convicted of and the interest of justice.

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence. It sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for r**e, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, unsuitable to work with children, and ordered his name to be entered into the National Register for S*x Offenders.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and sentence and continues its fight against the scourge of abuse against women and children in our communities
Ends,

Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
DPP Mpumalanga

16/06/2026

WATCH: Episode 2 of Prosecution Matters

This episode covers the bail process, factors considered by the court, the role of the NPA and the common misconceptions about bail proceedings in South Africa.

Prosecution Matters is a podcast by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), bringing you insights into the work of prosecutors and the justice system.

How does bail work in South African law?In Episode 2 of Prosecutio...

15/06/2026

ASSET FORFEITURE UNIT SECURES PRESERVATION ORDER IN ONLINE BANKING SCAM

The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has successfully obtained an urgent preservation of property order in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Middelburg in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998. The order was granted on Friday, 12 June 2026.

The order emanates from a sophisticated online banking scam in which approximately R21.55 million was fraudulently diverted from the bank account of a Middelburg-based company, Jormid.

On 21 May 2026, Jormid's financial manager, Mrs Jordaan, received WhatsApp messages on her cellphone purporting to be from the company's banking institution, ABSA Bank.

The messages indicated that "suspicious transactions" had been detected on Jormid's business account and requested her to confirm whether she had authorised them.

After responding that she did not recognise the transactions, Jordaan received a telephone call from an individual claiming to be an official from ABSA Bank's Fraud Division. The caller requested her assistance in cancelling the alleged suspicious transactions.

During the call, Jordaan was instructed to approve several electronic links sent to her cellphone.

While still communicating with the scammer, Jordaan was informed by a colleague that several substantial transactions, amounting to approximately R21.55 million, had been processed from Jormid's bank account without authorisation.

Jordaan immediately reported the matter to ABSA's Fraud Department and subsequently opened a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Middelburg.

On 29 May 2026, the matter was referred to the NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit in Mpumalanga, which promptly initiated a financial investigation and sought the intervention of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

The AFU submitted an urgent intervention request to the FIC. Following its investigation, the FIC issued immediate directives to ABSA Bank to freeze funds held in nine bank accounts suspected of receiving the proceeds of the fraud.

Armed with the evidence gathered during the investigation and the FIC's intervention, the AFU approached the Middelburg High Court on an urgent ex parte basis and successfully obtained a preservation of property order against the nine ABSA Bank accounts on 12 June 2026.

The order prevents the dissipation of the suspected proceeds of crime, valued at approximately R21.55 million, pending the finalisation of forfeiture proceedings before the High Court.

The criminal investigation is ongoing. The suspected perpetrators are expected to be arrested and charged with offences including fraud, theft, and money laundering.

The NPA remains committed to combating cybercrime, safeguarding the interests of victims, and ensuring that the proceeds of unlawful activities are preserved and ultimately forfeited in accordance with the law.

ENDS

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa
Regional Spokesperson
National Prosecuting Authority – Mpumalanga Division

15/06/2026

FUNERAL DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS' IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT AND LAUNDERING OF THE ELDERLY WOMAN'S RAF PAYOUT

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a 10-year term of direct imprisonment against well-known Tlokoeng (Mount Fletcher) funeral director, Thanduxolo Poswa (56), for his leading role in the theft and laundering of a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout intended for an 82-year-old woman.

The Komani Regional Court convicted and sentenced Poswa to seven years' imprisonment for the theft of R500 000 and a further three years' imprisonment for laundering the proceeds of the crime. The funds were shared among three other individuals. His co-accused, Patricia Sekhosana, Nomandla Papiyana and Sijadu Poswa, all pleaded guilty and received wholly suspended five-year imprisonment sentences.

The case arose from a RAF claim lodged by L. Mtiya & Company Attorneys on behalf of Desemelo Sekhosana, who had lost her daughter in a motor vehicle accident. The RAF settled the claim for R1.4 million, of which approximately R1.1 million was due to the claimant after legal fees had been deducted.

During preparations for payment, it emerged that the elderly claimant's bank account was no longer operational. It was subsequently agreed by the claimant's family members and the attorneys that the funds would be paid into Patricia Sekhosana's bank account.

After the funds were deposited, Patricia Sekhosana began transferring portions of the money into the bank accounts of her accomplices. Poswa received the largest share, amounting to R500 000, which he used to build a house. The claimant ultimately received only R405 000 of the funds due to her.

During the trial, evidence revealed that Poswa, a former soldier, had coerced Patricia Sekhosana into transferring the money to his account after being informed by Papiyana about the existence of the RAF payout. In his defence, Poswa claimed that the money had been given to him as a gift, in addition to payment for new tyres and vehicle servicing costs. The court rejected his version and found him guilty.

In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Nkosinathi Faxi argued that the payout was intended to support the upbringing of the deceased daughter's minor children. The State further argued for the imposition of the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and submitted that the stolen funds could not be recovered through the NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit because the house built with the proceeds is situated on communal land.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Nosisa Ngcongolo rejected Poswa's offer to repay the money in instalments or to transfer ownership of the house to the claimant.

Welcoming the sentence, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Samkelo Mtwana commended the prosecution and investigating team for securing justice. He said the conviction and sentence underscore the effectiveness of a coordinated criminal justice system in combating white-collar crime and reaffirm the NPA's commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and holding offenders accountable.

Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division

15/06/2026

MASTERMIND OF ELDERLY LOVER'S MURDER JOINS ACCOMPLICES IN 25-YEAR JAIL TERMS

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed by the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, sitting in Gqeberha, against Estelle Le Grange (57), following her conviction on charges arising from the murder and robbery of her partner, 65-year-old Daniel de Jager. Her sentence follows the earlier convictions and sentencing of her co-accused, Anke-Mari Cilliers (39) and Lee-Roy Scholtz (38), who were sentenced after entering into plea and sentence agreements in terms of section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

The convictions arise from a carefully planned conspiracy that culminated in the murder of De Jager at his home in Newton Park, Gqeberha, on the night of 29 October 2025. In the trio’s plea explanations, they all admitted that Le Grange repeatedly approached Cilliers and Scholtz, who were in a romantic relationship and rented a flatlet on the deceased's property, to assist her in killing De Jager.

On the evening of the murder, the three met and finalised plans to kill the deceased and disguise the crime as a robbery. Le Grange provided instructions on how the murder should be carried out and ensured that the perpetrators would have access to the property. Shortly before midnight, after confirming that De Jager was asleep, Scholtz and Cilliers entered the main house. Tshey proceeded to the victim's bedroom, where Le Grange pointed out a hammer and instructed Scholtz to assault him.

Scholtz repeatedly struck De Jager on the head while Le Grange encouraged him to continue until the victim was dead. Thereafter, the perpetrators staged the crime scene to create the impression that a housebreaking and robbery had occurred. The trio stole the deceased's motor vehicle, jewellery, wallet, bank cards and laptop. In the early hours of the following morning, Scholtz and Cilliers used the deceased's bank cards to withdraw R4 500 from his accounts. The stolen vehicle was later abandoned and subsequently recovered by police.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that De Jager died because of severe head trauma and a sharp-force injury to the neck. Evidence presented before the court further revealed extensive communication between the accused before, during and after the murder, corroborating the existence of a conspiracy to kill and rob the deceased.

The accused faced charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and contravention of section 30 of the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006.

The court sentenced Le Grange to 25 years' direct imprisonment for murder, 15 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years' imprisonment for defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and five years' imprisonment for contravening the Older Persons Act. The court ordered that the sentences on counts two to four run concurrently with the sentence for murder, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years' direct imprisonment.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Samkelo Mtwana, welcomed the outcome and commended Adv Liezel Landman and the investigating team for securing justice. He said the convictions and sentences underscore the effectiveness of a coordinated criminal justice system and reaffirm the NPA's commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and holding offenders accountable.

Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division

12/06/2026

IN PICTURES: The NPA in the Eastern Cape participated in a Child Protection Week campaign led by the Department of Social Development in Komani, focusing on raising awareness on the prevention of child abuse and statutory r**e through school and community engagements. Through its Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), the NPA strengthened access to justice and victim support services across the province. The programme included visits to the Frontier Hospital TCC, Komani Magistrates’ Court, and a Service on Wheels activation in Ezibeleni Township. The campaign concluded with an event reaffirming the NPA’s commitment to protecting children and supporting survivors of GBV.

📷NPA/Nokuthula Makupula

12/06/2026

Collaboration Strengthens Commitment to Child Protection Through Workshop

In commemoration of Child Protection Week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal attended a Child Protection workshop at A M Moolla Spes Nova School. The workshop was aimed at strengthening the safeguarding of children within schools and communities. The workshop brought together representatives from 30 schools across the Phoenix Central Circuit and was made possible through a valuable partnership between the school and the S*xual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit of the NPA.

The event provided an important platform for school leaders, educators, and school management teams to deepen their understanding of child protection legislation, reporting protocols, and the collective responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners.

Facilitated by officials from the NPA's SOCA Unit, South African Police Services, Department of Social Development; Department of Education and the Thuthuzela Care Centre, the workshop focused on the legal framework governing child protection, the procedures that schools must follow when allegations of abuse are reported, and the critical role that educators play in identifying and responding to cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Participants were reminded of the importance of acting swiftly, maintaining confidentiality, and always prioritising the best interests of the child.

The workshop also encouraged meaningful engagement and collaboration among schools, allowing participants to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore best practices for creating safe and supportive learning environments.

Through these discussions, schools were empowered to strengthen their child protection systems and enhance their capacity to support vulnerable learners.

Speaking at the event, school principal, Mr Anandh Appanna highlighted the importance of partnerships in protecting children and strengthening schools’ responses to child protection concerns. The school expressed their gratitude to the NPA for partnering with them and sharing the expertise.

Advocate Omashani Naidoo, Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions for the SOCA unit in KZN, emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to safeguarding children. “Child protection is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance, commitment, and collaboration from all sectors of society. Schools are often the first point of contact for vulnerable children, making educators critical partners in safeguarding their rights and well-being.” She further said that the NPA is proud to work alongside the Department of Education and other stakeholders, in empowering schools with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to concerns of abuse and neglect.

This partnership serves as a powerful example of how collaboration can strengthen child protection efforts and improve outcomes for learners.

📷NPA/Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

12/06/2026

MOTHER ABANDONED BAIL APPLICATION FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF HER KIDS

Limpopo – A 27-year-old woman, Ntanganedzeni Siphugu, appeared briefly before the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court on two counts of murder. The accused abandoned her bail application.

It is alleged that on 01 June 2026, at Madabani Village, the accused administered a poisonous substance to her two minor children, aged six and nine years.

According to the allegations, both children fell ill the following day. One child was rushed to a nearby clinic, where he was certified dead. Upon returning home, family members discovered that the second child had also passed away. Following a police investigation, the accused was arrested and charged with two counts of murder.

The matter was postponed to 28 August 2026 for further investigations, and the accused remains in custody.

The National Prosecuting Authority will continue to present the State's case in court as the matter proceeds through the criminal justice process.

Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division

12/06/2026

SERIAL RA**ST SENTENCED TO FOUR LIFE TERMS AND 79 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIMES

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of four life terms handed down by the Pretoria High Court to Tshepo Murendeni Mulovhedzi (30) from Mamelodi. He was convicted of the r**e of an 11-year-old girl, the premeditated murder and r**e of 25-year-old Dolly Phoko Seoka, the r**e of a 25-year-old woman, and the r**e of a 27-year-old woman. He was further sentenced to 30 years’ direct imprisonment for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances,30 years’ direct imprisonment for three counts of attempted murder,10 years’ direct imprisonment for the r**e of a 21-year-old woman,6 years’ direct imprisonment for two counts of housebreaking with intent to r**e and 3 years’ direct imprisonment for theft. The court also ordered that Mulovhedzi’s name be entered into the National Register for S*xual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

In the early hours of 09 October 2021, the 11-year-old girl was sleeping with her younger sibling at her residence in Soshanguve when Mulovhedzi broke into the house and entered her bedroom. He told the victim that her mother owed him money and instructed her to look for it under the mattress. While she was doing so, he grabbed her by the throat, r**ed her, and fled the scene. The victim reported the incident to neighbours, who contacted her mother and the police. In the early hours of 19 September 2022, Dolly Phoko Seoka (25) and her two friends were walking home through the veld from a nearby tavern in Mamelodi when Mulovhedzi approached them from behind. He hit Seoka on the head with a rock and struck her friend in the face. The two friends fled to seek help, leaving Seoka unconscious. Mulovhedzi dragged her further into the veld, r**ed her, and fled. Seoka’s friends and their caretaker later found her lifeless body and alerted the police.

At midnight on 09 October 2022, a 27-year-old woman was walking home from plaiting a client’s hair in Mamelodi with her male cousin when Mulovhedzi approached them from behind. He hit the cousin on the head with a brick, rendering him unconscious, and took his cellphone. He then chased the woman, strangled her until she lost consciousness, r**ed her, and fled. The victim later regained consciousness, went home, and reported the matter to the police. On 15 October 2022, Mulovhedzi broke into the home of a 21-year-old woman in Mamelodi. He asked where her mother was, then forced her into her mother’s bedroom, threatened her with a knife, and r**ed her before fleeing. Mulovhedzi was arrested on 17 June 2025 while in custody on another matter. The victims received medical, psychological, and legal assistance at the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC).

In court, Mulovhedzi pleaded guilty and claimed he committed the offences because he had been “bewitched” by his uncle. During sentencing, his legal representative asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, citing his difficult upbringing and guilty plea. State prosecutor Advocate Vusimuzi Tshabalala argued strongly against deviation, highlighting the extreme seriousness and prevalence of the crimes, Mulovhedzi’s lack of genuine remorse, and his pattern of preying on vulnerable women and children. He noted that Mulovhedzi was arrested while already serving a sentence for murdering another woman, indicating he remained a danger to society. Victim Impact Statements, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese, detailed the profound emotional, physical, mental, and financial harm suffered by the victims and their families.

Judge Mashudu Munzhelele agreed with the State. He described Mulovhedzi’s actions as brutal invasions of the victims’ privacy, dignity, bodily integrity, and security. The judge emphasised the callous disregard for constitutional rights and the clear pattern of predatory behaviour, finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences.

The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to the relentless prosecution of crimes against women, children, and other vulnerable persons, ensuring that justice is pursued without fear, favour, or prejudice.

The NPA applauds the dedicated work of the Thuthuzela Care Centre, the state prosecutor, and the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Herman Mangwane.

Issued by:
Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division: Pretoria

12/06/2026

ARMED ROBBER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of 50-year-old Onias Ndlovu by the Johannesburg Regional Court on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, pointing an object resembling a firearm, and contravening the Immigration Act.

The court heard that on 19 April 2025, the complainant was on his way to a church night vigil in Lombardy East when Ndlovu pointed what appeared to be a firearm at him and demanded his jacket and cellphone. The complainant testified that he was particularly shocked by the incident because he had known the accused since childhood.

An unidentified passerby witnessed the robbery and intervened, disarming the accused after a struggle. The witness then assisted the complainant in pursuing Ndlovu, who was eventually apprehended by community members before being arrested by the police.

Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Fisokwakhe Mbili argued that although the complainant recovered his belongings and did not sustain any physical injuries, he suffered psychological trauma after being threatened with what he believed to be a firearm. The State further submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a lesser sentence.

The court agreed and sentenced Ndlovu to 15 years' direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, three years' imprisonment for pointing an object resembling a firearm, and six months' imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act.

The sentences will run concurrently with the 15-year sentence. The court further ordered that Ndlovu be deported upon completion of his sentence.

The NPA welcomes the sentence, which sends a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated and that offenders who threaten and traumatise members of the public will be held accountable for their actions.

Issued by:
Magaboke Mohlatlole
NPA Communications Officer – Gauteng Division, Johannesburg