The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Delmas has sentenced Moses Sibusiso Mahlangu (30) to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, Annah Ntswaki Mavimbela (29). Mahlangu and Mavimbela were in a domestic relationship. On January 15, in Botleng, Mahlangu confronted Mavimbela on the street accusing her of infidelity.

An argument ensued, during which Mahlangu assaulted her repeatedly with his fists until she fell, striking her head on a rough surface. She began bleeding from the mouth. Mahlangu then carried the unconscious victim towards his home but, and upon realising that she was unresponsive, he laid her down, fetched a blanket from his house, and covered her body. 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. During the trial Mahlangu admitted that his actions were unlawful and punishable under the law.

He pleaded guilty, expressing remorse for his conduct for which he was consequently convicted of premeditated murder. The State, represented by Advocate Amos Mtsweni, presented a victim impact statement in which Mavimbela’s mother expressed her ongoing grief and her inability to come to terms with the murder.

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.