Former Police Officer And Cousin Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For M8rder

Two cousins, one of whom was a former police officer, Thabo Moses Mokwana, have been given life imprisonment sentences each for the m8rder of an openly lesbian woman.

Refiloe Gift Malope, aged 28, from Kgaphamadi village, Limpopo, was discovered d3ad after being abducted by the pair on May 9, 2022.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Limpopo Polokwane High Court found Thabo Moses Mokwana (42) and Modirela Maxwell Mokwana (45) from Motsephiri Village guilty, sentencing them to life imprisonment for m8rder, seven years for kidnapping, and three years for obstructing justice.

The court mandated that the sentences run concurrently with the m8rder charge, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment.

Additionally, the court ruled the accused unfit to possess firearms under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The accused entered not guilty pleas to the charges, but the state presented witness testimony stating that on 09 May 2022, the accused forced Refilwe Gift Malope into a vehicle and drove away with her.

Reported missing, a search led to the discovery of her decomposed body in a mine shaft in Benoni, Gauteng province, after which the accused were arrested and held in custody until their trial began.

During sentencing, state advocate Patrick Magoda presented the Victim Impact Statement from the deceased’s family, compiled by court preparation officer Morongwe Moifo.

They described the profound psychological toll of the deceased’s d3ath, particularly as she was k!lled by individuals she knew and trusted.

The deceased worked diligently to ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community were treated with dignity, integrity, and fairness. The state argued that the accused violated her right to life, warranting their permanent removal from society, especially given one was a police officer tasked with preventing crime.

The National Prosecuting Authority consistently handles numerous cases impacting community safety and well-being, ensuring justice for crime victims.

Adv. Ivy Thenga, the Director of Public Prosecutions, praised the thorough efforts of advocate Magoda and investigating officer Florence Hlahla from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli