Police Officer Jeffrey Ntjana Receives Life Sentence for Murdering Estranged Wife

Polokwane – The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane has given a life sentence to 53-year-old police officer Jeffrey Ntjana for the murder of his wife, Mmatlou Millicent Ntjana.

Three years prior, while on duty, Ntjana fatally shot his estranged wife in Seshego Zone 8 using his service weapon.

Following the incident, he was dismissed from the police force and received his sentencing on Monday, 6 October 2025.

The court determined that Ntjana and his wife were living apart at the time of the shooting.

Evidence indicated that the armed officer had arrived at his wife’s residence, leading to a confrontation.

After the altercation, Ntjana retrieved his service firearm from his vehicle.

According to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority Limpopo: “Upon his return, he found that his wife had locked herself in the bedroom.

“He forced his way in, shot her, and then fled the scene.

“She later succumbed to her injuries.”

The incident was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, which handles offenses committed by police personnel.

Five days after the event, Ntjana turned himself in at the Mogwadi Police Station, where he was arrested.

During sentencing, State Advocate Moses Mohale urged for a more severe punishment, emphasizing that as a police officer, the accused had fundamentally betrayed his duty to protect citizens, including his late wife.

“Instead of ensuring her safety, he took her life with the weapon entrusted to him for her protection,” asserted Mohale.

The state highlighted that the accused showed no remorse, pointing out that femicide is a significant concern in South Africa that requires strict deterrent measures.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of the province expressed satisfaction with the sentence handed down to Ntjana.

“The NPA addresses numerous cases daily that impact community safety and well-being, ensuring justice for crime victims,” stated Advocate Ivy Thenga, NPA Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo.

Alongside the life sentence, Ntjana received five years for obstructing justice, five years for violating the Firearms Control Act, and three years for unlawfully discharging a firearm.

However, the court mandated that these sentences run concurrently.

Additionally, Ntjana was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.