A 33-year-old Limpopo man has been sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for murdering his 24-year-old girlfriend after accusing her of being involved with another man.
Frank Rikhotso, from Mbambamenchisi village, was sentenced by the Polokwane High Court on Friday for the murder of his girlfriend from Ruanda village.
The murder took place on 19 September 2025 at Nkowankowa Location, Section C.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said police were called to the scene at about 5.40pm following a report of a murder.
When officers arrived, they found the victim’s lifeless body lying on a bed with a swollen face. She was declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.
Ledwaba said the investigation established that Rikhotso and the woman had a heated argument at about 8am after she allegedly left her cellphone at home.
Rikhotso reportedly suspected that she was involved in another relationship.
“The accused tied the victim’s hands and legs with cable ties and strangled her, leaving her body on the bed,” Ledwaba said.
After the attack, Rikhotso attempted to take his own life in the same room but was unsuccessful.
He was arrested later that day in Nkowankowa.
Ledwaba said the case was investigated by Constable Rasendedzani Zwikhodo of the Ritavi Detectives Unit, who opposed bail and continued with the investigation until Rikhotso was convicted and sentenced.
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended Zwikhodo for her dedication and meticulous investigation.
“His dedication and meticulous investigation ensured that the perpetrator faces the full might of the law,” said Ledwaba, relaying Scheepers’ remarks.
Rikhotso will serve 18 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder.
