The Taung Regional Court in North West has sentenced 48-year-old Kabelo Mogongwa to life imprisonment for the murder of his 38-year-old girlfriend, Tsholofelo Emphokile.

He was also sentenced to an additional five years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm. Both sentences will run concurrently.

In delivering judgment, magistrate Bhuti Zulu highlights Mogongwa’s lack of remorse.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in February last year, in Khibitswane village in Taung, where Mogongwa and Emphokile had returned from a local tavern.

Upon arriving at the Mogongwa’s residence, an altercation reportedly ensued, during which Mogongwa became aggressive towards the deceased.

A witness, the Mogongwa’s nephew, testified that the couple locked themselves in a room and continued arguing. Moments later, he heard a gunshot coming from the room. Fearing for his life, the nephew fled to seek help from neighbours.

Upon their arrival, Emphokile’s body was discovered in the room, having sustained gunshot wounds.

Police were called to the scene, and Mogongwa was arrested the following day. He was denied bail and has remained in custody since.