Jealous man jailed for breaking skull of his ex-lover's cousin
Sakaiyo Obakeng, a 35-year-old man of Sekhutlane ward in Tlharaseleele near Phitshane Molopo, was sentenced to five years’ jail term for attacking and injuring his ex-girlfriend's cousin with a metal rod.
The case was presided over by Kanye Magistrate Ditebogo Ntuli, who was temporarily filling in for Principal Magistrate Reuben Sebetlela.
Details of the grievous bodily harm charge show that on May 28, 2021, Obakeng attacked Onkgopotse Mosesane with a metal rod, resulting in a skull fracture.
At that time, Obakeng and his ex-girlfriend were still dating when he saw her cheerfully walking with her cousin. He angrily confronted the woman, accused her of having a love affair with her cousin, and then attacked the cousin with a metal rod, injuring his head.
The state prosecutor confirmed to The Midweek Sun that Obakeng and his girlfriend ended their relationship shortly after the incident, with the ex-girlfriend deciding to end the affair. In mitigation, Obakeng asked the court for leniency, citing his role as the family breadwinner and that he is caring for his ill father.
When sentencing him, Magistrate Ntuli said she considered Obakeng's mitigation, his lack of previous convictions, and the unacceptable nature of his behaviour. Obakeng was given a stern warning to never repeat the offence and was told that jealousy leads nowhere. Obakeng was then sentenced to five years in prison for injuring his ex-girlfriend's cousin. He was advised to file an appeal within 14 days if he had any complaints regarding the sentence.