The man convicted of murdering Tzaneen TVET College student Moshibudi Mashumo has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Humphrey Makgoba Malale, 37, was sentenced by the Polokwane High Court on Wednesday 9 September after entering into a plea and sentence agreement in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said the court also declared Malale unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act.
Mashumo, 26, was reportedly last seen alive on Friday, 14 February 2025, in the company of her boyfriend at his residence.
Three days later, on Monday, 17 February, her decomposed body was discovered inside a house linked to Malale at about 7.30pm.
A murder case was initially opened at Maake Police Station before being transferred to the provincial detectives for further investigation.
The investigation was assigned to Captain Phaladi Makola, whose probe ultimately led to Malale’s arrest and successful prosecution.
On 30 October 2025, members of the Provincial Investigation Unit, assisted by the Provincial Tracking Team, executed a warrant of arrest against Malale at Percy Five outside Polokwane.
Following his arrest, the investigating officer successfully opposed his release on bail, keeping him behind bars until his conviction and sentencing.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and the units involved for their efforts in bringing Malale before the courts.
“This sentence sends a clear message that the police will continue to pursue perpetrators of serious and violent crimes until they face justice,” said Scheepers.
“I commend our detectives and tracking team for their dedication and commitment throughout this investigation. We remain determined to secure justice for victims and their families,” he said.
