Multiple life sentences highlight GBV crisis

South African courts this week delivered a series of life sentences in high profile cases involving rape and murder, highlighting the continued violence faced by women and girls, often at the hands of people known to them.

The convictions, finalised in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, underscore the justice system’s firm stance against gender based violence and femicide.

In Gauteng, the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court sentenced 59 year old Mluleki Zicina to life imprisonment for the repeated rape of his 14 year old step granddaughter. The crimes occurred in Dobsonville in 2019, where Zicina abused his relationship with the victim’s grandmother to gain access to the child. The abuse was uncovered when the grandmother found the accused raping the teenager.

Regional Court Prosecutor Arnold Limekhaya told the court that the offence represented a profound betrayal of trust. He said the accused had abused his position of authority and violated the principle of Ubuntu, leaving the victim with permanent emotional and psychological scars. Limekhaya added that crimes of this nature deprived children of their constitutional rights to safety and freedom.

The victim’s grandmother testified that the child continues to suffer from anxiety, aggression, low self esteem and poor academic performance as a result of the abuse. In sentencing, Magistrate Anneline Africa described the conduct of the accused as extremely cruel and manipulative. She said the court had taken into account the vulnerability of the victim and the severe harm inflicted.

National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said all cases of sexual violence infringed on the rights to dignity and privacy enshrined in the Constitution, adding that the NPA would continue to prosecute such matters aggressively.

In the Eastern Cape, the Cala Magistrates’ Court sentenced 35 year old Mabhuti Mabra Mbili to life imprisonment for the murder of his 22 year old girlfriend. Her decapitated body was discovered in a mountainous area in May 2024. Police investigations were assisted by a photograph circulated on social media, which led to the arrest of the accused. After his arrest, Mbili led officers to where the severed head was recovered.

State Prosecutor Odwa Mmeli told the court that life imprisonment was the only appropriate sentence, given the brutal manner in which the murder was committed. She said the deceased had suffered an exceptionally violent death and noted that the accused was on parole at the time, with previous convictions for murder and robbery.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo welcomed the sentence, saying it sent a strong message that extreme violence against women would not be tolerated. He commended the prosecution and investigating team for their perseverance in a complex case. NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the matter reflected the deepening national crisis of femicide and gender based violence.

Another Eastern Cape court, the Zwelitsha Magistrates’ Court, sentenced 33 year old Thobela Bama to life imprisonment for raping his girlfriend and eight years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The offences took place in Tyutyu Village in March 2025. Evidence showed that Bama assaulted the complainant after becoming enraged when she returned home late, beating her with household items before raping her.

State Prosecutor Msuthukazi Pango argued that the offences were brutal and degrading and constituted a serious violation of the complainant’s dignity and bodily integrity. She said the sentence needed to reflect the gravity of the crime and deter similar conduct. The court found the accused’s version contradictory and rejected it beyond reasonable doubt. His name was entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

In Mpumalanga, the High Court in Mbombela sentenced 38 year old Mikah Shalamuka Willy Sithole to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Nicolene Morgan. The couple lived together, and evidence revealed a history of abuse. Morgan was assaulted after an argument in December 2024 and later died from asphyxia.

State Advocate Fedile Tsotetsi highlighted the prevalence of domestic violence and femicide, while victim impact statements detailed the lasting trauma suffered by the family. NPA Mpumalanga spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the sentence demonstrated the authority of the courts and the commitment to protecting vulnerable persons.

In KwaZulu Natal, the Estcourt Regional Court sentenced a 36 year old man to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to murdering his ex partner at the Estcourt taxi rank in May 2025. Prosecutor Abednego Mbewu led evidence in aggravation of sentence, including testimony from family members who spoke about the trauma and the responsibility of caring for the couple’s three minor children.

NPA KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson Kara said curbing gender based violence and femicide remained an organisational priority.

Across all the cases finalised this week, the victims were women and girls harmed by partners or relatives, reinforcing concerns about violence within domestic and intimate relationships.