MAN handed two life sentences.
The Tzaneen Regional Court handed down two life sentences on Friday, 23 May plus an additional six years to Silah Phillemon Moila (55) for the rape and murder of his 91-year-old mum.
The court heard that Moila entered his elderly mum's room in Ga-Ntata Village at about 10pm on 24 February 2024, demanding money to buy liquor.
When she told him she had no money, he proceeded to rape and murder her.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesman Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, Moila pleaded guilty to all charges.
Despite this admission, prosecutors successfully argued that his guilty plea was insufficient to warrant any reduction in the mandated minimum sentences.
"The victim died a very painful death in the hands of a person who was supposed to be her protector," regional court prosecutor Emmanuel Phatudi told the court during sentencing.
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The prosecution maintained that Moila demonstrated "a lack of respect for women" and was "not a suitable candidate for rehabilitation", recommending his permanent removal from society.
Magistrate Antolize Lamminga agreed, noting that "the deceased died in a very humiliating manner at the hands of her son".
The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances that would justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence.
"This outcome demonstrates the NPA's dedication to upholding the rule of law and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society," she said.
Thenga also commended state prosecutor Phatudi and investigating officer Sergeant Sizeka Ngobeni of Mokwakwaila Police Station, whose "professionalism and tenacity" she credited as "instrumental in securing this conviction".
