The couple had been in a relationship for seven years. Mahajanna said the tragic incident occurred on the night of October 21, 2022

By BAKANG MOKOTO

October 15, 2024 – A man (39) who killed his girlfriend has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court. Ngagalela Kekana from Olievenhoutbosch, extension 7, killed his girlfriend Realeboga Georgina Joels.

According to Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lumka Mahajanna, the couple had been dating for seven years. Mahajanna said the tragic incident occurred on the night of October 21, 2022, after they returned to Joels’ rented cabin from a local grocery store.

“An argument ensued between them during which Kekana shot Joels in the head, resulting in her death at the scene. The next morning, Kekana contacted a neighbor and claimed Joels was injured and left.

“A concerned neighbor contacted the landlord and together they went to Joels’ cabin. When they entered, they discovered Joels’ naked body on the bed, his head wrapped in a blood-soaked towel,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the neighbors then called the police and community members and when the community arrived at the scene, Kekana also returned. She added that he was arrested upon his return and has been in custody ever since.

In court, Kekana pleaded not guilty and claimed he was not present at the time of Joels’ death. However, prosecutor David Molokomme presented compelling evidence and called witnesses who conclusively proved Kekana’s guilt.

During the sentencing process, Kekana’s legal representative urged the court to consider alternatives to the mandatory minimum sentence, citing the two years he spent in custody awaiting trial. However, Molokomme argued vehemently for a life sentence, emphasizing both the seriousness of the crime and its prevalence in South Africa.

“The victim was killed by her partner, a person who should have been her protector, especially given that she had no family in Gauteng. The State also filed a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) supported by Court Preparation Officer (CPO), Lebogang Lebese, in which the landlady, who was also a friend of the deceased, expressed her grief over the loss brought,” said Molokomme.

He said the landlord noted that Joels had no family in Gauteng, she only had three dogs which were given away after her death. However, she said one of the dogs continues to visit her home daily.

“Not only that, she said, she also had the burden of having to bury her friend as her family in the Free State were unable to do so,” he said.

Judge Edwin Masopa agreed with the state’s position, citing Kekana’s lack of remorse and the brutality of the crime. Masopa stressed that no judgment can bring back the deceased or heal the hearts of those affected by his actions.

“That is why Kekana must be permanently removed from society so that children and women can live in the knowledge that he can never harm them. Therefore, I have not found any material and compelling circumstances that could deviate from imposing the mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” he said.

Meanwhile, following his conviction, Kekana applied for permission to appeal his conviction and sentence. However, the state successfully opposed this request, which was subsequently rejected.

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