15 years behind bars for brutal murder that left victim naked in street

A Limpopo man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for brutally murdering a 34-year-old drinking companion and leaving his naked, bloodied body in a village street.

A Limpopo man who brutally assaulted another man with an iron object and left his naked, bloodied body in the street has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars.

Potego William Tolo, 29, was convicted of murder by the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the case stemmed from a horrific incident in Ga-Rakgwatha village in the early hours of August 11, 2025.

“The deceased, a 34-year-old man from Mogodi, Ga-Mphahlele village, was found by members of the community naked, bleeding, with injuries all over his body and lying in the street.”

The victim, identified by his next of kin as ButiButi Mapencil Lekgeu, was rushed to Ga-Rakgwatha Clinic but was declared dead on arrival.

The murder case was assigned to Constable Billy Morepye Nchabeleng of the Moletlane Detectives.

Ledwaba said the investigation eventually led police to Tolo, who was arrested at Ga-Rakgwatha village on November 5, 2025.

“During the trial, the court heard that the deceased was brutally assaulted with an iron steel object all over his body while lying on the ground, stripped of his clothes and left on the street by the accused.”

The court heard that the pair had been drinking together at a local tavern before the attack.

Tolo was initially granted R1,000 bail before the matter was transferred to the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court for trial.

Ledwaba said the sentence sends a strong message about accountability.

“The conviction and sentencing bring closure to the family of the deceased and demonstrate the commitment of the investigating officer to ensuring that justice is served.”