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22 Years Imprisonment for Killing and Dismembering a Teenage Girl

POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Division of High Court in Polokwane has sentenced 19-year-old Brian Mugwira to 22 years in prison for the brutal murder of 17-year-old Motjatji Thoka from Mokomene village, whose dismembered body was discovered following her disappearance.

Motjatji went missing from her home on 5 January 2024. A missing persons report was filed at SAPS Botlokwa, Capricorn District and escalated to the Provincial Missing Person Task Team in Limpopo. After an extensive investigation, her remains were found on 8 January 2024 in the yard of an occupied house, with several body parts missing.

Mugwira and his compatriot, Tatenda Sithole (36), were identified as suspects and arrested. Sithole was apprehended on 16 January 2024 at a rental property in Mokomene village, while Mugwira was arrested on 26 January2024 in the mountains near Ndzelele village, Thohoyandou, where he was found with some of the victim’s body parts.

Both accused were initially refused bail during the trial. On 17 October 2024, Brian Mugwira pleaded guilty to murder and received his sentence. Tatenda Sithole has pleaded not guilty, with his trial set to begin on 2 June 2025.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigative team for their diligence in uncovering the heinous acts of these heartless criminals and ensuring justice is served for the victim.

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