The Mogwase Regional Court sentenced 38-year-old Benjamin Moya to life imprisonment for murdering his girlfriend. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The incident took place on 25 May 2025 at Makoshong Village. The court heard that Moya visited his girlfriend that evening and found her with a male friend, who fled after noticing him.
Moya assaulted the woman with clenched fists, booted feet, a sjambok and a builder’s spirit level. He then told her to accompany him to the home of another woman with whom he was romantically involved, saying he regarded both women as his wives.
He continued assaulting the victim on the way. At the other woman’s home, Moya asked both women to accompany him to the wife of his best friend, whom he had allegedly found with the deceased. Before they could leave, they realised the victim was seriously injured and bleeding. She was taken for medical care but died that day.
Moya pleaded guilty to murder in the face of the evidence. He was released on bail on 15 January 2026 and remained on bail until the case was finalised.
State Prosecutor Joseph Makwe cited the prevalence of gender-based violence in South Africa and argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify departing from the prescribed minimum sentence. The court accepted the State’s arguments and imposed a life sentence.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence and commended Makwe and South African Police Service Sergeant Unathi Tiem for their work on the case. It reiterated that the right to life must be protected and that perpetrators of gender-based violence must be held accountable.
