By Mr Lee
Mbyana ya Mahungu
POLOKWANE – A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment after brutally stabbing a young man at a tavern in Villa Nora, Limpopo.
The Lephalale Regional Court found Ranko Makgae guilty of attempted murder following a violent altercation that nearly cost a 21-year-old man his life.
According to court proceedings, the incident happened on Sunday, 07 July 2024, when both the accused and the victim were socialising at a local tavern. Trouble started when the victim accidentally bumped into Makgae while heading to the counter.
Although the victim tried to walk away, Makgae reacted aggressively. He allegedly grabbed the victim from behind and stabbed him multiple times with a sharp object.
Emergency services and police rushed to the scene, and the victim was treated for serious injuries. A case of attempted murder was opened at Villa Nora SAPS, leading to Makgae’s arrest.
He first appeared at the Phalala Magistrate’s Court, where he was granted bail before the matter was transferred to the Lephalale Regional Court.
On Monday, 30 March 2026, the court handed down its sentence, sending Makgae to prison for seven years.
Police have praised the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Tebele Mafokoane, for his dedication and thorough work, which played a key role in securing the conviction.
The case serves as a strong warning about how quickly violence can escalate from minor disputes, especially in social settings.
