North West man gets 18 years for stabbing ex-girlfriend to death

A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of his 40-year-old former girlfriend, the South African Police Service said in a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in North West.

Tautona Pooka, also known as Metsing, was convicted of murder following an investigation by Detective Warrant Officer Etienne Fourie. The court heard evidence that on Saturday, 03 January 2026, Pooka returned from the Kingdom of Lesotho to confront the deceased after their relationship had ended. During the confrontation, he stabbed her several times.

He was arrested on Monday, 05 January 2026. His bail was successfully opposed and he remained in custody until his conviction.

Pooka was sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for murder and an additional two years’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Murder carries a prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment in circumstances covered by the relevant legislation. The court deviated from that prescribed sentence after considering the circumstances of the case, including that the accused was a first-time offender. In imposing sentence, the magistrate emphasised the seriousness of domestic violence and the impact such crimes have on families and communities.

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the investigating officer for his dedication in ensuring the matter was thoroughly investigated and successfully brought before court. He also urged victims of domestic violence, and those at risk of violence, to seek assistance and report incidents to the police.

The statement is a police summary of the case and the sentence, not the full court record.

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Khuma murderer sentenced to 18 years for killing his ex-girlfriend (https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71593)