Obed Leshoro, who was arrested at the age of 19 for Lethoba's murder, was sentenced in the High Court in Virginia in the Free State. 

The National Public Prosecution (NPA) spokesperson in the province, Phaladi Shuping, says the sentencing comes after he pleaded guilty. Leshoro, who is believed to have been Lethoba's boyfriend at the time, was handed over to police by his parents four days after Lethoba's body was discovered. He abandoned his bail application in June 2019. 

Lethoba and Leshoro were students at the Goldfields TVET College in Welkom.

Lethoba's family earlier criticised the constant postponements of the murder case, saying it was causing them emotional and financial strain. 

OFM News previously reported that the deceased's body was discovered by a passer-by in Welkom, and she was identified by her parents at the Welkom mortuary. 

Lethoba's murder and the mutilation of her body also sent a shockwaves through the country, with many reacting with shock and anger. 

Her murder - which happened during a critical time when the murderers of women and children was at centre stage - added to fierce debate suggesting 'men are trash', with many sharing the sentiments on Twitter and Facebook.

OFM News