Mpumalanga man sentenced to life for girlfriend’s murder

The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Delmas on Wednesday sentenced Moses Sibusiso Mahlangu (30) to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, Annah Ntswaki Mavimbela (29).

According to Ridge Times, Mahlangu was in a domestic relationship with Mavimbela. He confronted her on the street in Botleng on January 15, accusing her of infidelity.

Attack and aftermath

The couple argued, during which Mahlangu repeatedly beat Mavimbela with his fists until she fell to the ground, striking her head on a rough surface. She began bleeding from the mouth.

Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said Mahlangu then carried the unconscious victim to his home. When he realised Mavimbela was unresponsive, he laid her down and covered her body with a blanket.

“He slept next to her, knowing she was dead. The deceased’s body was discovered two days later, after which Mahlangu handed himself over to the police. He subsequently confessed. A post-mortem confirmed that Mavimbela died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries,” said Nyuswa.

Guilty plea and conviction

During the trial, Mahlangu admitted that his actions were unlawful and punishable under the law. He pleaded guilty, expressing remorse for his conduct and was convicted of premeditated murder.

The state, represented by Advocate Amos Mtsweni, presented a victim impact statement compiled by the deceased’s mother, facilitated by court preparation officer Khethiwe Mathebula, in which she expressed her ongoing grief and inability to come to terms with her daughter’s death.

Sentence and NPA statement

In delivering the sentence, the court found no compelling or substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Mahlangu was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Nyuswa said the NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to combat gender-based violence and femicide.

“By prioritising cases involving vulnerable groups, the NPA continues to strengthen the justice system’s resolve to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that justice is served for victims and their families,” she concluded.

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