Murder accused sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment over love triangle dispute
Date Published
2025/09/08
Details

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE - The Giyani Regional Court has on Monday, 08 September 2025, sentenced a 31-year-old accused, Mr Maboti Valoyi, to 15 years’ direct imprisonment following the murder of Mr Eddy Ritshuri (56) in what the court described as a love triangle dispute.

The court heard that on the evening of 28 January 2024, at about 23:00, the accused confronted the deceased, who was in the company of a woman believed to be his girlfriend. Driven by jealousy, the accused forcefully took the woman away and threatened to assault her. The deceased followed in an attempt to rescue her, but during the confrontation, the accused stabbed him with a sharp object.

The victim collapsed at the scene, between a local tavern and the church at Dengeza A village, and was later discovered by a passer-by. Community members rushed him to a nearby clinic, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries upon arrival.

Police opened a case of murder at Giyani SAPS, and the investigation was assigned to Detective Sergeant Tshamiseka Jeffrey Maluleke, who swiftly arrested the accused the following day. Although bail was initially opposed, the accused was later released in July 2024.

On 20 August 2025, the accused was found guilty by the Giyani Regional Court, and his bail was forfeited. Today, he has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence, applauding the investigating officer for ensuring justice for the victim and condemning acts of violence stemming from relationship -related disputes.

Ends

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Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

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Attachments
  • 1.jpg
    Accused: Maboti Valoyi (31)
  • 2.jpg
    The Investigating Officer: Detective Sergeant Tshamiseka Jeffrey Maluleke