Justice served: Life sentence for man who murdered his girlfriend in Free State
The Bloemfontein High Court has sentenced Motsamai Mosiuoa to life in prison for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Analisa Heleni — a case that highlights South Africa’s ongoing battle against gender-based violence.
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THE BLOEMFONTEIN High court has sentenced Motsamai Justice Mosiuoa, 35, to a life imprisonment for the murder of his 25 -year-old girlfriend, Analisa Heleni.
Mosiuoa was convicted and sentenced on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, after a trial detailed the events leading to Heleni’s death in November last year.
According to the Free State police spokesperson, Warrant officer Mmako Mophoring, Mosiuoa and his girlfriend arrived at a witness’s residence in the evening of November 10, 2024 when an argument broke out between Heleni and another woman. Heleni accused the woman of being romantically involved with Mosiuoa.
The homeowner then apparently instructed both the Mosiuoa and Heleni to leave the premises.
Mophoring said that when they left the yard, Mosiuoa allegedly turned violent, dragging Heleni along a dirt road before repeatedly smashing her head against a concrete slab near their shared home.
"He continued his violent attack by repeatedly battering her head against a concrete slab," said Mophoring
"An eyewitness who attempted to intervene was chased away while holding his baby, after which the accused locked himself and the victim inside the house," added Mophoring
He said that Mosiuoa had allegedly refused to unlock the door even after the witness has called an ambulance.
"On Monday, 11 November 2024, upon realising that the victim was unresponsive, the accused eventually called for an ambulance. She was declared deceased on the scene,"
Mophoring stated that police opened an inquest docket as Heleni showed no visible injuries. However, a post-mortem later revealed severe internal trauma, consistent with the eyewitness’s account.
The case was subsequently escalated to a murder investigation, leading to Mosiuoa’s arrest.
Detective Sergeant Tefo Thabo of the Clocolan Detectives was commended for his meticulous investigation, which played a pivotal role in securing the conviction. The case was prosecuted by Mr. Choane and presided over by Judge Majosi.
Free State police have welcomed the sentence, describing it as a victory for justice and a stern warning against gender-based violence.
“This sentence sends a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated. We hope it brings some measure of closure to the family of the deceased,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli.