Tragedy of unresolved marital problems: Man shot six relatives including his child, sentenced to a total of 102 years

SECURITY officer, Ally Thabo Molobela, who shot six relatives, including his child, and leaving two of them dead following an unresolved marital problem, has been sentenced to a total of 102 years imprisonment.

He was sentenced in the Polokwane High Court, Limpopo, on Wednesday to 25 years each for two murders, 10 years each for four counts of attempted murder and 12 years for pointing with a firearm. Some of the sentences will run concurrently.

On 19 August 2023, Molobela (37) drove to his in-laws’ homestead at Makgophong village in Magatle, Limpopo. Whilst still in a car, he opened fire on his wife and child, sister-in-law, the wife’s cousin and other family members.

The wife’s cousin and sister-in-law died on the spot while four others survived with injuries.

Molobela went on the run, but was subsequently cornered at Santeng village, Hoedspruit, where he shot himself, but survived.  

Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence: “We appreciate the wonderful job done by the investigating officer, the arresting team, and all the participants who ensured that justice prevail.”