Hostile boyfriend jailed for threat-to-kill

Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday April 8, 2014 10:44

Kagisano Matlho who is already serving time for causing bodily harm to his girlfriend, Matshidiso Mothebelo, was spared a harsher sentence by Senior Magistrate, Thebeetsile Mulalu, because he pleaded guilty to the latest offence.

Matlho was alleged to have threatened to kill Mothebelo on October 17, 2012 at Maipaafela Location in Francistown. He allegedly told Mothebelo that he was going to kill her and then commit suicide.

Mulalu told Matlho that he committed a serious offence that carries a maximum of 10 years in jail and is very prevalent in his jurisdiction.

“Cases of so called passion killings are increasing and should not be tolerated. People’s lives should be respected. Those found guilty of threatening to kill others should be given stiff sentences that will deter others from committing similar offences in future,” said Mulalu.

He added that the accused previously caused grievous bodily harm, although he committed the offences over 10 years ago. Mulalu said that Matlho’s previous offences are clear testimony that he has a problem with changing  his behaviour. “In light of the above, I sentence him to four years in jail. The sentence shall run concurrently with the one he is already serving. Any party not happy with this sentence may approach the High Court within 14 days,” said Mulalu.

Matlho did not show any sign of remorse after he was sentenced. Thandi Poloko from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appeared for the state.