Police Officer Jeffrey Ntjana Sentenced to Life for Murder of Estranged Wife
Polokwane – The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane has sentenced 53-year-old police officer Jeffrey Ntjana to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Mmatlou Millicent Ntjana.
Three years prior, while still serving as a police officer, Ntjana fatally shot his wife in Seshego Zone 8 using his service weapon.
Ntjana, who has since been dismissed from the police force, received his sentence on Monday, 6 October 2025.
The court established that Ntjana and his estranged wife were living apart at the time of the tragic incident.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the armed officer visited his wife’s home, where a dispute broke out.
Following the argument, Ntjana returned to his vehicle to retrieve his service pistol.
According to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority Limpopo: “Upon his return, he discovered that his wife had locked herself in the bedroom.
“He forcibly entered, shot her, and then fled the scene.
“She later died from her injuries.”
The event was reported to the Independent Police Investigation Directorate, which investigates offenses committed by police personnel.
Five days post-incident, Ntjana surrendered himself at the Mogwadi Police Station, where he was subsequently arrested.
During sentencing, State Advocate Moses Mohale argued for a harsher penalty, stating that the accused, as a police officer, had utterly violated his oath to protect the citizens of South Africa, including his deceased wife.
“Instead, he took his wife’s life using a firearm that was entrusted to him for her protection,” Mohale asserted.
The state further indicated that the accused displayed no remorse, emphasizing that femicide is a significant issue in South Africa and should be met with strict and deterrent penalties.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the province has expressed its approval of the sentence imposed on Ntjana.
“The NPA continues to prosecute numerous cases daily that affect community safety and well-being, ensuring that justice is served for crime victims,” said Advocate Ivy Thenga, NPA Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo.
In addition to the life sentence, Ntjana received five years’ imprisonment for obstructing justice, five years for breaching the Firearms Control Act, and three years for the unlawful discharge of a firearm.
However, the court ordered these sentences to run concurrently.
Furthermore, Ntjana was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.