The Burgersfort Regional Court has sentenced 28-year-old Bongani Nelson Rantho to 25 years of direct imprisonment for murder.
He was convicted for killing his 17-year-old girlfriend, Makofane Kamogelo, on Sunday, 26 November 2023. The murder occurred at a one-roomed house in Bothashoek Riverside Section, Tubatse policing area, Sekhukhune District.
Police found the minor victim’s body on the floor with severe neck wounds. She was certified dead at the scene. Investigation revealed she was stabbed with a knife.
Detective Sergeant Dinko Mohlala of Tubatse SAPS investigated the case, leading to Rantho’s arrest. The accused was later released on bail during the investigation.
The National Prosecuting Authority, led by Advocate Petlo, presented evidence in court with Detective Sergeant Mohlala. The Department of Social Development provided a pre-sentence report.
The court sentenced Rantho on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. It also declared him unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000.