The High Court sitting in Harrismith has found 47-year-old Madudu Edward Mofokeng guilty of murder and sentenced him to 22 years of direct imprisonment.
The conviction relates to the brutal killing of 42-year-old Puleng Maleka on the night of 1 February 2025. Evidence presented during the trial detailed a harrowing sequence of events.
According to court testimony, the victim and the accused were walking together from a local tavern at approximately 22:10 when they decided to visit one of Maleka’s friends. Upon arrival, the victim went into a bedroom. Mofokeng called for her and insisted they leave immediately.
When Maleka refused, Mofokeng produced a knife and stabbed her multiple times. He then forced her to leave the premises, continuing his attack and stabbing her repeatedly as they walked out.
The victim collapsed outside the house, where Mofokeng proceeded to cut her throat. Puleng Maleka succumbed to her injuries on the scene and was declared dead.
Following the murder, Mofokeng turned the knife on himself, stabbing himself in the neck. He was transported to Manapo Hospital for medical treatment and was subsequently charged with murder upon his recovery.
The case was diligently investigated by Sergeant Mamahlomola Rachel Radebe. The prosecution was led by Public Prosecutor Mr. Strauss, under whose guidance the investigation was conducted. Magistrate Opperman presided over the sentencing, handing down the 22-year term of direct imprisonment.