Breyten man gets 25 years for murdering girlfriend

The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Breyten has sentenced Bongani Douglas Motha to 25 years of direct imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Jhabile Immaculate Mtshali. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the conviction and described the sentence as an important reminder of justice for victims of gender based violence.

According to the evidence presented in court, the crime happened on 11 May 2024 at Plangweni Tavern in Sheepmoor. Motha, 31, and Mtshali, 30, had been drinking with colleagues and other patrons when an argument broke out as they were leaving the tavern. Motha accused Mtshali of flirting with another patron. He then attacked her, hitting her several times with his shoe on her face and body until she fell to the ground. Witnesses said he continued kicking her even after she stopped moving.

Mtshali died at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries. Motha fled but was later caught by his colleagues, who handed him over to the police.

During the trial, Motha pleaded guilty in terms of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1997. He admitted that his actions were unlawful and intentional. Advocate Beauty Cibangu, who represented the State, argued that Motha showed no remorse and continued to assault the victim even as she pleaded for mercy. She told the court that gender based violence remains a serious concern in South Africa and that harsh sentences are necessary to protect women and deter future offenders.

The court heard evidence from a postmortem report which confirmed that Mtshali had suffered severe injuries across her body. Photographs presented in court showed the extent of the assault. In delivering judgment, the court said there were compelling and substantial reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence but emphasised that the crime was brutal and senseless.

The court sentenced Motha to 25 years of direct imprisonment for murder and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

NPA Mpumalanga regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the authority welcomed the outcome. “The NPA welcomes the sentence handed down to Bongani Motha for the murder of his girlfriend. This conviction once again demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender based violence are held accountable for their actions,” she said.

Nyuswa added that the timing of the sentence carried strong significance as South Africa prepares to mark 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, which runs from 25 November to 10 December. “As the country approaches the 16 Days of Activism campaign, this sentence sends a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated and that justice will be served,” she said.

The NPA said it will continue working with law enforcement agencies to bring justice to victims of gender based violence and ensure that communities are protected from repeat offenders.