The Ficksburg Detective Service and the National Prosecuting Authority secured the conviction and sentencing of Lesotho national Thabiso Mosothonyane, 43, in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
Mosothonyane was sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment without the option of a fine on two charges: assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and being illegally in the country. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The investigation was led by Detective Constable Tselane Mokhejane of the SAPS Ficksburg Detective Service.
According to authorities, the accused was in a relationship with a 22-year-old woman from Meqheleng near Ficksburg. On 23 October 2025, an argument over the paternity of a child escalated into violence. Mosothonyane struck the woman with a burning wooden stick.
The victim sustained permanent burn injuries to her right thigh, chest, right eye, and right arm.