A Limpopo court orderly has been sentenced to an effective two years in prison for assaulting three former girlfriends and threatening them with a service pistol.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said Sergeant Mphota Silas Malatjie was convicted on three counts of assault by the Mankweng Magistrates’ Court.
Malatjie was also sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment or a R8,000 fine for pointing a firearm. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Malatjie pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Malabi said the offences were committed between 2022 and 2025 at Thune and Mawaneng villages in Limpopo.
The court heard that Malatjie assaulted three of his former girlfriends and threatened them by pointing his service pistol at them.
The complainants reported the incidents to authorities, leading to Malatjie’s arrest and release on warning.
Malabi said following a review of the matter, the Director of Public Prosecutions issued directives for summonses to be issued and for Malatjie to be charged accordingly.
During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Pearl Ledwaba argued that Malatjie, as a police officer, had a legal and moral duty to protect members of the public.
Instead, he used a service firearm entrusted to him by the South African Police Service to commit acts of violence and intimidation.
The State argued that Malatjie had failed to uphold his oath of office and that the court should impose a sentence that reinforces the principle that no one is above the law.
It further argued that violent offences committed by law enforcement officials undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system and warrant serious consequences.
Malabi said Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide.
“This sentence sends a clear message that abuse and intimidation, particularly when committed by those entrusted with enforcing the law, will not be tolerated,” said Thenga.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence and to secure justice for victims.”
Thenga also commended Ledwaba and all stakeholders involved in the successful prosecution for their dedication to ensuring justice was served.
