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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West Division has welcomed the hefty sentence imposed on Ofentse Petrus Seilane (40) by the North West High Court. The sentencing, handed down on 21 October 2025, follows his conviction on charges of murder, rape, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The conviction stems from a tragic incident that occurred on 25 November 2023 at Lekoko Village near Mafikeng, where the lifeless body of Elizabeth Gelekhutle Seilane was discovered by her grandchildren inside her bedroom.
Investigations revealed that Seilane, who had been left at home with the deceased, strangled and sexually assaulted her before stealing her bank card. He was later seen at a local tavern using the deceased’s card to make purchases. Transactions recorded on the deceased’s cellphone confirmed activity from the tavern, leading police to swiftly arrest Seilane the same day. Buccal samples collected from him matched DNA taken from the deceased, conclusively linking him to the crime.
In court, Seilane pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, State Advocate Kabelo Mampo argued that there were no compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. He further informed the court that the deceased had been married to the accused’s uncle and that both had kindly accommodated Seilane and his brother in their yard.
The court agreed with the State’s submissions and imposed the following sentences: life imprisonment for murder, life imprisonment for rape, and 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. All sentences will run concurrently.
Welcoming the outcome, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Advocate Mampo and the law enforcement team for their exceptional collaboration. She said the sentences demonstrate the NPA’s unwavering commitment to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of society.
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