MOGWASE, South Africa (BN24) — A South African man, Thabo Samuel Segale, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday for the brutal murder of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Amogelang Princess Mpete, following suspicions of infidelity, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced.
The Mogwase Regional Court in the North West province handed down the sentence on July 31, 2025, also declaring Segale unfit to possess a firearm.
The attack occurred on the evening of July 10, 2019, at Mpete’s family home, where Segale visited and sat with Mpete, her seven-year-old child, and her 12-year-old sibling. After Mpete asked Segale to leave due to the late hour and the family’s need for rest, he reacted violently.
According to court evidence, Segale’s suspicions of infidelity fueled a sudden and violent outburst. He retrieved a pickaxe from another room and attacked Mpete in front of the children. Despite her attempts to flee with the children, Segale pursued her outside and struck her fatal blow to the head with the pickaxe before fleeing.
Segale was arrested the next day, denied bail, and remained in custody throughout the trial. He pleaded guilty to murder.
During sentencing, a Victim Impact Statement detailed the profound emotional trauma experienced by the children who witnessed the attack. Advocate Sicelo Moselakgomo described the murder as a savage, premeditated act that “shocks the conscience of any civilized society,” urging for a sentence that reflects public outrage and protects society.
The court agreed, underscoring the serious prevalence of gender-based violence in the region, and imposed life imprisonment.
Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions for the North West, praised the coordinated efforts of the South African Police Service and prosecution teams, stating the sentence sends a strong message against gender-based violence and reinforces the NPA’s commitment to justice for victims of such crimes.
