Rody Moloto got 20 years for Morongwa Mootane's murder

A 20-year prison term without parole just slammed the door on a brutal killing, giving one Limpopo family a slice of justice after months of grief.

Murder of Morongwa Angel Mootane

• Morongwa Angel Mootane vanished on 28 July 2024.
• Family reported her missing after days of silence.
• Searchers found her body on 31 July 2024.
• Lethlaba River bushes hid a shallow grave in Ga-Sekgopo.

Details of the violent attack

• Investigators counted 13 stab wounds on her body.
• Plastic wrapping showed an effort to conceal the crime.
• The Ga-Sekgopo community reeled from the gruesome discovery.
• Marotholong section became the grim scene’s location.

Arrest and charges against Rody Moloto

• Rody Moloto admitted to stabbing Mootane during a heated clash.
• Police linked him to a 2020 rape case.
• His cousin backed up key details for investigators.
• Authorities added a charge for defeating justice.

High Court sentencing outcome

• Polokwane High Court delivered judgment on 11 February 2026.
• Judges imposed 20 years for murder without parole.
• Seven years for rape will run concurrently.
• Five years for concealing the body also overlap.

Family grief and wider impact

• Relatives described Mootane as a joyful young woman.
• Shared grave photos online deepened their trauma.
• The case fueled anger over gender-based violence in Limpopo.
• Advocates renewed calls for stronger protections for women.