Family of slain mom relieved as Crystal Park man gets life imprisonment

The family of Sibongile Mochadibana, who was killed by her partner of 13 years at their home in Crystal Park on January 30, 2023, said they are happy that her killer will remain in prison for the rest of his life.

The Benoni Magistrates’ Court sentenced Mpho Motsoso (42) to life imprisonment for her murder on September 12. He previously pleaded not guilty.

Mochadibana (39) died after she was stabbed in the upper body following an argument with Motsoso.

According to court evidence, the couple had been separated after Mochadibana expressed a need for peace.

Also Read: Family mourns slain mom

The night before the killing, Motsoso arrived at the house where the deceased was with her mother and two children, aged 16 and 7.
He tried to start a fight, but was told to sleep in an outside room. The following morning, Motsoso reportedly entered the house under the pretext of wanting to bathe.

He fetched a knife from the kitchen and attacked Mochadibana in her bedroom while she was reading a Bible. The attack happened in front of the children.

Afterwards, he fled in her car, using her bank cards to withdraw money before seeking “spiritual cleansing” from a sangoma in Klipriver, where police arrested him after tracing the vehicle.

Motsoso has remained in custody since his arrest.

Mochadibana’s sister, Ntombizodwa Masemola, said the family was comforted by the outcome, though their loss remains immeasurable.

“It won’t bring back our sister, but justice has been served.”

She previously told the newspaper that their breadwinner has been taken away. She described her sister as a bubbly person who loved church, laughter, and education.

She also revealed that the family was unaware of any history of domestic abuse in the relationship.

According to NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, prosecutor Girly Mahlangu opposed Motsoso’s request for leniency, noting that he showed no remorse and committed the crime in full view of his children.

The State also presented a victim impact statement facilitated by court preparation officer Nelia Radebe, in which the deceased’s mother and children shared their trauma. It revealed that the eldest child failed matric in 2023 because of the devastating impact of the murder.

Magistrate Lesufi found no compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed sentence, stressing that Motsoso betrayed the trust of the woman he was meant to love and protect.

The NPA welcomed the outcome. “This sentence reaffirms our commitment to prioritising the prosecution of GBV and femicide cases, and sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated,” said Mahanjana.

The case was investigated by Det Sgt Jane Mogopa of Crystal Park SAPS.

Also Read: Crystal Park man who killed partner to be sentenced next week