By Montsho Matlala
Groblersdal: The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Sekhukhune has welcomed the life imprisonment imposed by the Groblersdal Regional Court on a man found guilty of murdering his stepfather at their home in Leeuwfontein, outside Marble Hall, Limpopo.
Joseph Phaahla, 28, struck his stepfather, Simon Mothoa, 59, repeatedly on the head with a spade during a heated argument, resulting in Mothoa’s death nearly two years ago. Family members and neighbours raised the alarm, and police arrested Phaahla at the scene.
“The accused pleaded guilty, admitting that on 17 October 2023, during a verbal altercation with his stepfather, he grabbed a spade and struck him multiple times on the head. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, in addition to imposing a life sentence,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) provincial spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi.
Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions, said the sentence underlines the invaluable nature of human life.
“We will continue to pursue these cases vigorously to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers,” Thenga warned.
Mantladi Malata, spokesperson for SANCO in Sekhukhune, said the sentence should send a strong message that violence within families and communities will not be tolerated.
“SANCO remains deeply concerned about the growing number of domestic violence cases and other social ills that continue to tear apart the moral fabric of our communities. We call upon both young and old to seek help and counselling when faced with personal or family-related challenges, rather than resorting to violence,” Malata added.
The civic organisation further urged communities to strengthen family values, promote open communication, and make use of available social support services.
“No one should suffer in silence or feel isolated in times of difficulty. Traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, social workers, and community forums must all work together to provide support systems and safe spaces for individuals in distress,” SANCO advised.
