Two women from Boipatong have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of David Malewa Tlali.
The Pretoria High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, sentenced Ntabiseng Tlali (42) and her friend, Lineo Ralitsa (39), after finding them guilty of orchestrating the killing.
The court heard that in June 2024, Ntabiseng allegedly asked Ralitsa to arrange hitmen to kill her husband, David Tlali.
Ralitsa then reportedly recruited two Lesotho nationals, who later shot and killed David Tlali at his home in August 2024.
Following investigations, police arrested Ntabiseng in November 2024, while Ralitsa later handed herself over to authorities.
Although both women pleaded guilty, the court rejected their requests for a lighter sentence.
The State argued that their guilty pleas were not a sign of genuine remorse, but rather a response to the overwhelming evidence against them — a view the court agreed with.
The judge found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
The court also noted that if Ntabiseng had been experiencing abuse, as she claimed, lawful legal avenues were available to her, instead of resorting to violence.
Additionally, the judge found indications that the killing may have been financially motivated, citing insurance payouts received following David Tlali’s death.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed both the conviction and sentence, saying the outcome sends a strong message against violent crime and gender-based violence.
