The Polokwane High Court on Monday, 11 May 2026, sentenced 26-year-old Bobo Mokoena Mathibe to an effective 19 years’ direct imprisonment for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The crimes occurred in Roossenekal during 2025.
According to court proceedings, Mathibe attacked an elderly man, Robert Petrus Rodrick Stoltz, at Hartelus Farm on Thursday, 30 April 2025, at approximately 08:45. Police responding to a murder complaint found Stoltz severely assaulted inside his residence.
Investigations revealed that Stoltz was struck with a steel rod while outside in the yard. After he lost consciousness, the attacker dragged him into the house, placed him in the bathroom with his hands tied behind his back, and stuffed a cloth into his mouth. The victim later died from his injuries.
Mathibe then ransacked the house, stealing R3,000 in cash and a pellet gun. He fled in the victim’s blue Chery motor vehicle, which was later found after an accident near Burgersfort along the R555 road.
An investigation involving the investigating officer, Community Service Centre members, detectives, Rural Safety members, and informers led to Mathibe’s arrest a few weeks after the incident. A second suspect was arrested but later released after investigations could not link him to the crime.
The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Millicent Mogomogane of Roossenekal Detectives.
The court sentenced Mathibe to 19 years for murder(Count 1)
and 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances(Count 2).
The court ordered the sentence on Count 2 to run concurrently with Count 1, resulting in an effective 19 years’ direct imprisonment.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence and commended all members involved for their dedication, commitment, and teamwork in ensuring justice.
