Wolmaranstad – Thabang “Leshala” David Masilo, 28, has been sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment by the Wolmaranstad Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 2, 2023. The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the sentencing for murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH).
According to South Africa Police Service, Masilo was arrested on May 12, 2023, for the fatal stabbing of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Lindiwe Delfa Tladi, at her residence in Chris Hani Section, Tswelelang Location. Following an argument where Masilo accused Tladi of infidelity, he stabbed her with a knife. Tladi sought refuge at a neighbor’s house, but Masilo followed and stabbed both her and the neighbor. Tladi succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. Masilo, who fled the scene, was later arrested and has remained in custody since.
Masilo was declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act, 2000, and received the following sentences:
Murder: 15 years’ imprisonment
Assault GBH: Two years’ imprisonment
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena praised the efforts of Sergeant Itumeleng Seboco of Wolmaransstad Detectives, the Prosecutor, Adv Linda Dannon, and others for securing the conviction, emphasizing it as a message against gender-based violence.