Qacha’s Nek man sentenced for assaulting wife

A 59-year-old man, Ntene Mohapi, has been sentenced by the Qacha’s Nek
Magistrate’s Court to a fine of M5000 or five years in prison, with half of the
sentence suspended for two years, for assaulting his wife.

Magistrate Pontšo Jankie-Lehasa handed down the sentence after considering
that Mohapi, a retired miner, is a first-time offender. Mohapi pleaded guilty to
contravening Section 30(2) read with 109(1) of the Penal Code Act, admitting
that on 14 September 2025, he assaulted his wife by strangling her.

According to Senior Crown Counsel, Advocate Tsotang Maile, the victim was
attacked after denying entering her husband’s bedroom. Mohapi allegedly
strangled her, pushed her to the floor, and placed a knee on her chest, leaving
bruises and marks confirmed by a medical report. The couple’s seven-year-old
granddaughter alerted neighbours, leading to police intervention the following
day.
In mitigation, Mohapi claimed he acted out of ongoing domestic tensions.
Magistrate Jankie-Lehasa emphasized that the sentence serves as a stern
reminder that domestic violence will not be tolerated, regardless of the
perpetrator’s background or personal circumstances.