A man has been sentenced after shooting and killing a City of Cape Town official while reportedly stalking his ex-partner.
Introduction
Ivan Magokane, a convicted killer, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for shooting and killing a City of Cape Town official during a confrontation with his ex-girlfriend. Despite crying in court and expressing remorse for murdering Mpharu Hloyi, who intervened in the altercation, the Western Cape High Court determined that his remorse was insincere and imposed a life sentence for premeditated murder.
The tragic shooting incident that occurred at the Athlone Water and Waste Depot in March 2022 caused significant distress among City of Cape Town employees, as Ivan Magokane fired recklessly at staff while pursuing his ex-partner, Shirley Malema.
As per the indictment, Malema and Magokane began their relationship in 2014 and became engaged a year later. However, in February of the previous year, Malema terminated the relationship due to Magokane’s abusive behavior and relocated from Pretoria to Cape Town for a new job opportunity.
The legal document also mentioned that Magokane frequently visited Malema to see their son and threatened her by placing bullets in her hand, instilling fear that he would harm her if she left him.
On March 28, 2022, Shirley Malema was working at the Athlone plant when her colleague, Hloyi, informed her that Ivan Magokane had arrived to see her.
Due to her knowledge of Magokane possessing a firearm and concerns for her safety, Malema immediately contacted the police for assistance.
When Hloyi attempted to intervene and mediate between Malema and Magokane, Magokane fatally shot her in the head. He then proceeded to fire multiple shots at Malema, injuring her. Additionally, when two other employees approached the scene to investigate the commotion, Magokane also shot and wounded them.
Magokane was convicted by Acting Deputy Judge President Andre le Grange on one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of assault on Malema.
Magokane has been given a life sentence for the murder, 10 years of imprisonment for each attempted murder charge, and six months for assault. These sentences will be served concurrently, resulting in an effective 25-year prison term.
Motlatsi Mpete, Hloyi’s sister, expressed satisfaction with the sentence but acknowledged that it cannot bring back their loved one. Mpete stated that while the court mentioned Magokane’s regret, they believe it was more about being caught than genuine remorse.
Hloyi was remembered as a spiritual person, a gender-based violence (GBV) activist, and a community leader. Her family continues to mourn her loss despite the sentencing outcome.
By : Mahira Duval
reference :
Duval, M. (2024) Man who shot and killed city of Cape Town official while stalking his ex, sentenced, Independent Online. Available at: https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/man-who-shot-and-killed-city-of-cape-town-official-while-stalking-his-ex-sentenced-b60070fd-edf8-4e0d-a77d-d200041becd3 (Accessed: 16 March 2024).
