The South Gauteng High Court has sentenced a 30-year-old attorney to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his intimate partner more than three years ago.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the conviction and sentencing of attorney Thubelihle Sbonakaliso Mpisi by the court in Johannesburg, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mahlako Malebo Rabalao.

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Mpisi has been in custody since his arrest on July 28, 2023, after abandoning his bail application.

In addition to the murder conviction, Mpisi was found guilty of malicious injury to property and defeating the administration of justice. He received five years’ imprisonment on each of these counts. The court ordered that the sentences on counts two and three run concurrently with the life sentence, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment.

The court accepted the submissions of senior state advocate Michelle Bayat, who argued that although the exact cause of death could not be established due to the extensive burning of the body, the evidence proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the deceased had died before the vehicle was set alight.

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The state successfully relied on compelling circumstantial evidence, including cellphone records, forensic evidence, expert testimony, and the accused’s conduct before and after the incident, to prove that Mpisi murdered the deceased before setting her body and vehicle alight to conceal the crime.

Evidence presented during the trial further established that the deceased had informed family members and friends of her intention to end the relationship and move out of the home she shared with the accused.

In sentencing the accused, the court agreed with the state’s submissions and found that the evidence established Mpisi’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court further emphasised that, as an attorney and officer of the court, the accused was expected to uphold and respect the law.

NPA communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole said the prosecuting authority welcomed the sentence, which reflects the seriousness with which the courts treat gender-based violence and femicide.

“The outcome reaffirms the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for victims and their families.”

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