North West man gets 18 years for stabbing uncle over polony
The Taung Regional Court sentenced 21-year-old Thato Darlington Lekaowa to 18 years' direct imprisonment for murdering his uncle during a family argument over polony in Manokwane village in North West.
According to an NPA statement, Lekaowa and his uncle had a confrontation at the family home in Manokwane village, North West, on 14 February 2020.
The argument started after the young man ate polony meant for school lunchboxes. In a fit of rage, Lekaowa stabbed his uncle in the back. The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
After the murder, Lekaowa fled the scene. He was arrested shortly after and initially granted bail. He absconded, forfeiting the bail and later facing remand in custody.
Despite pleading not guilty, the court convicted him based on strong evidence presented by the prosecution.
In sentencing, State Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa highlighted Lekaowa's complete disregard for life and his lack of remorse.
Magistrate Bhuti Zulu emphasised the need for a tough response to violent crimes, especially within families, and handed down the 18-year sentence.
The Port Alfred Regional Court sentenced former SAPS station commander Ncamisa Donkrag to five years in prison for defrauding the police service, but suspended the sentence for five years and ordered her to pay back the money.
Donkrag pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud on Friday, 9 May 2025, admitting that she lied about official travel to pocket state money.
In May 2022, she claimed she had used her private car to travel from Port Alfred to Port Edward, Mount Ayliff, and Mzamba. SAPS paid her R8,062.58 for the bogus trip.
She struck again in September 2022, submitting another fake claim for travel to Zwelitsha and Addo. This time, SAPS paid her R4,705.25.
The court found her guilty and ordered her to repay the full R12,767.80. Although she avoided direct jail time, the suspended sentence will hang over her for five years.
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