The Ermelo Magistrate’s Court recently convicted and sentenced Tolly Sibusiso Mnisi (37) to life and an additional 20 years’ imprisonment for the premeditated murder and rape of his girlfriend, Nokuthula Sidu (34).

The accused and the deceased had a two-year-old child together.

The victim visited the accused at his place of residence in Wesselton, Ermelo, and an altercation ensued on July 3, 2021.

It resulted in Mnisi assaulting the victim with his fists and a mop handle, until it broke.

He raped her and put her in his bed. The next morning, the accused realised the victim was no longer breathing, and hid her body under the bed.

Mnisi took their child to the victim’s house and told the family he did not know her whereabouts.

Sidu’s body was found two days later by her brother, who alerted the police.