Sangoma jailed for instigating murder of Limpopo education official

A traditional healer has been sentenced for his role in the killing of an education official in Limpopo.

Malekutu Johannes Mehlape was shot and killed in his home by contract killers in December 2023.

Mehlape's own daughter was in on the plot and opened the door to the property, allowing the killers access.

Healer Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane had convinced Malekutu Johannes Mehlape's daughter that her father had caused her mother’s death through muthi.

The daughter, Mologadi Magdeline Mehlape, is currently sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder.

But prosecutors argued that the Mogotlane himself also played a key role in the crime.

The 36-year-old pleaded guilty in the Polokwane High Court, where he was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for murder and 13 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo, said the court found that the healer’s conduct went beyond 'spiritual advice'.

“The court felt that the traditional healer was the instigator of everything that happened on that day.

"The law aims to balance cultural sensitivity with protecting human rights and preventing harm. In cases like this one, the court considers these factors to determine liability. That is why the court found that the sangoma is the instigator," says Malabi-Dzhangi.

To listen to Malabi-Dzhang in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: