Stabbed in the back: Man gets 25 years for killing friend after argument
He chased his friend down and stabbed him repeatedly in the back.
Image: File picture
A 29-YEAR-old Augrabies man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the brutal stabbing of a 24-year-old local resident, following a violent altercation that turned deadly.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela said that the Kakamas Regional Court handed down the sentence to Johannes Gabaya after finding him guilty of murdering Bolokang Matlhole, who died from multiple stab wounds.
The confrontation unfolded on December 10, 2023, when Gabaya arrived at Matlhole’s room, where Matlhole was with his girlfriend. An argument broke out, escalating into a physical altercation during which Gabaya was struck on the head with a mug.
Bleeding from the injury, Gabaya initially left the room — only to return later. Upon seeing him again, Matlhole tried to flee, but Gabaya gave chase, caught him, and repeatedly stabbed him in the back. Both men were rushed to hospital, but Matlhole later succumbed to his injuries.
Gabaya was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with murder. The court found him guilty and imposed a hefty 25-year sentence of direct imprisonment, reflecting the severity of the crime and the tragic loss of life.
ZF Mgcawu district commissioner Major-General Monica Sebili welcomed the sentence and praised Sergeant Tshepo Marungwana’s thorough investigation, which was instrumental in securing the conviction and ensuring justice was served.