The Lephalale Regional Court in the Waterberg District has sentenced 29-year-old Ranko Makgae to seven years’ direct imprisonment. The court convicted him of attempted murder in a case that started with a minor bump at a local tavern and ended in a violent stabbing.

This outcome in the Ranko Makgae attempted murder case comes almost two years after the 7 June 2024 attack on 21-year-old Thabang Sekwadila. Police and the court acted swiftly once they received the docket.

Court Convicts Ranko Makgae in Tavern Stabbing

On Monday 30 March 2026 the Lephalale Regional Court found Ranko Makgae guilty and handed down the seven-year sentence. The court heard that both men were at a tavern in the Vila Nora area (also known as Shongoane 2) when Sekwadila accidentally bumped into Makgae while walking to the counter.

Makgae responded with insults. As Sekwadila walked away to avoid trouble, Makgae grabbed him from behind and stabbed him several times with a sharp object, according to evidence presented in court. Emergency services rushed to the scene and treated the victim for serious injuries.

Police Investigation Secures Strong Conviction

Vila Nora SAPS officers opened a case of attempted murder immediately after the attack. Detective Warrant Officer Tebele Mafokoane led the investigation from start to finish. His thorough work led to Makgae’s arrest and a solid case file.

Makgae first appeared in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court and received bail. The matter later moved to the Lephalale Regional Court for the full trial. The Ranko Makgae attempted murder case reached its conclusion when the Regional Court delivered the guilty verdict and sentence.

Local reports from Tsa Lephalale Original and Sechaba Times confirm the details match the official SAPS statement. Police say the investigation showed clear evidence of the unprovoked attack.

Sentence Sends Message on Tavern Violence

The seven-year direct imprisonment term in the Ranko Makgae attempted murder case highlights the courts’ firm stance on alcohol-fuelled violence. No fine or suspended sentence applied. The victim survived the stabbing and received medical care, though no further updates on his recovery have been released.

The South African Police Service praised the work of Detective Warrant Officer Tebele Mafokoane for building a case that secured the conviction. SAPS statements note that such quick results help restore community confidence in the justice system.