Daughter Sentenced to Life Imprisonment After Hiring Hitmen to Kill Her Father Following Traditional Healer’s Claims

A tragic family dispute that ended in the murder of a respected father has highlighted the devastating consequences that can arise when grief, misinformation, and manipulation collide.

The case, which drew widespread attention across Limpopo and the rest of South Africa, centered on the murder of Dr. Mehlape, a respected family man from Mankweng near Polokwane. What began as a daughter's search for answers following the death of her mother ultimately led to a carefully planned murder plot involving family members, a traditional healer, and hired hitmen.

A Family Torn Apart by Grief

According to court proceedings, Dr. Mehlape was known as a devoted father who worked hard to provide for and support his family. Following the death of his wife, the family was left mourning a significant loss.

His daughter, Mologadi, who was around 28 years old at the time, struggled to come to terms with her mother's passing. Like many grieving family members seeking closure after losing a loved one, she reportedly searched for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding her mother's death.

During this difficult period, she was allegedly encouraged by her maternal aunt, Mahlodi Melida Mathole, a school principal, to consult a traditional healer.

Claims That Changed Everything

Court records revealed that Mologadi visited traditional healer Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane in an attempt to understand what had happened to her mother.

It was during these consultations that the healer allegedly informed her that her father had used traditional medicine, commonly referred to as muthi, to cause her mother's death.

The allegations had a profound impact on Mologadi. Believing the claims made by the healer, she reportedly became convinced that her father was responsible for the loss of her mother.

The healer allegedly provided her with muthi that she could use against her father. However, when those efforts did not produce the results she expected, frustration and anger reportedly grew.

Plotting a Murder

Investigators later uncovered evidence suggesting that Mologadi, together with her aunt and other accomplices, began planning Dr. Mehlape's murder.

The group allegedly decided to hire contract killers to carry out the attack.

Court proceedings revealed that approximately R200,000 was either paid or promised to the individuals who would execute the plan.

The conspiracy involved several people, including family members and associates who allegedly participated in organizing the deadly attack.

Deadly Attack at Family Home

On the night of 28 December, the plot was carried out at Dr. Mehlape's home in Mankweng Zone 1 outside Polokwane.

According to evidence presented in court, hired gunmen entered the property while Dr. Mehlape was asleep in his bedroom.

The attackers ambushed him and opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

The attack left the respected father dead inside the home where he had lived with his family.

After carrying out the murder, the suspects reportedly stole valuables from the residence, including Dr. Mehlape's cellphone and other items, before fleeing the scene.

The incident shocked residents of the community, many of whom knew Dr. Mehlape as a hardworking and respected member of society.

Police Investigation Leads to Arrests

Law enforcement authorities launched an extensive investigation following the murder.

As detectives gathered evidence, the investigation began uncovering a conspiracy that stretched far beyond a simple robbery.

Police eventually arrested Mologadi, her aunt Mahlodi Melida Mathole, traditional healer Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane, and several other individuals linked to the murder plot.

Among those arrested were Sello Michael Molongoane and Tshepo Ranoto, who were accused of participating in various aspects of the conspiracy.

The arrests marked a significant breakthrough in the case and paved the way for lengthy court proceedings.

Guilty Plea and Life Sentence

Facing overwhelming evidence, Mologadi eventually pleaded guilty in the Polokwane High Court.

The court heard details of the planning that preceded the murder and the role she played in orchestrating the attack against her own father.

After considering the seriousness of the crime, the court sentenced her to life imprisonment for murder.

She also received an additional 15-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

The judgment reflected the court's view of the severity of arranging and facilitating the killing of a parent.

Traditional Healer Also Sentenced

The traditional healer, Hlologelo Klaas Mogotlane, later entered a guilty plea as well.

The court found that his involvement in encouraging and assisting the events that led to the murder warranted a substantial prison sentence.

He was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for murder and an additional 13 years for robbery. These sentences were also ordered to run concurrently.

His conviction underscored the legal consequences faced by individuals who play a role in criminal conspiracies, regardless of whether they personally carry out the act of violence.

The murder of Dr. Mehlape remains one of the most disturbing family-related crime cases in recent years. The tragedy demonstrated how grief and unverified accusations can contribute to devastating decisions with irreversible consequences.

What began as a daughter's search for answers after losing her mother ultimately resulted in the loss of another parent, multiple arrests, and lengthy prison sentences for those involved.

For many observers, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking factual information during times of grief and allowing law enforcement and medical professionals to determine the causes of death rather than relying on unverified claims.

The consequences of the decisions made in this case changed the lives of everyone involved and left a family permanently divided by tragedy.