Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Brutal Murder of Girlfriend in Willows Village and Dumping her Hifeless Body in Matsikinyane Village

The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 44-year-old Isaac Magabe to 20 years of direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of his 36-year-old girlfriend, Patricia Sete, whose body was later dumped in Matsikinyane village.

According to court proceedings, the tragic incident took place on Sunday, 9 July 2023. Magabe invited Sete to visit him at Willows village in Hoedspruit, Maruleng Municipality, under the pretense of giving her groceries for her son, who was at an initiation school. Sete traveled with her 14-year-old daughter from Ga-Mamaila village to meet him.

Upon their arrival, Magabe failed to provide the groceries as promised and instead sent the teenager back home the same day, leaving him alone with Sete. An argument ensued between the couple, during which Magabe led her to a nearby bush and stabbed her multiple times with a sharp object, killing her on the spot.

In an attempt to conceal the crime, Magabe transported Sete’s body and dumped it in Matsikinyane village, where it was later discovered by a community member. A murder case was immediately opened, and a police investigation led to Magabe’s arrest on 19 July 2023 at a traditional healer’s house in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Detective Sergeant Given Shawn Mbhalati led the investigation and successfully opposed bail, ensuring that Magabe remained in custody throughout the trial. His meticulous investigative work contributed to the conviction and sentencing.

The Polokwane High Court found Magabe guilty of murder and handed down a 20-year direct imprisonment sentence, bringing a measure of justice to the victim’s family and the community.