Siyabonga Mbatha (25), was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment by the Middleburg High Court on August 11, for killing Ms Thandeka Mdeliswa.
Ms Mdeliswa was shot in the neck in Evander and was rushed to Evander Hospital where she was stabilised and then airlifted to Witbank Hospital.
The critically injured Ms Mdeliswa was then transferred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria where she died on September 5 last year.
The family described her as a young, talented and inspirational actress whose family and community were looking to see her flourish.
They said this is another incident of violence against women and that they believe that justice must be served.
According to the police, Ms Mdeliswa heard a commotion between her brother and two men on the night of her murder.
She went out to investigate, but when she moved closer, she was shot. The two men fled the scene after the incident.
Mbatha was later arrested in Gauteng and charged with the murder of Ms Mdeliswa.
Two other suspects were initially arrested and thought to have been involved in the murder, but they were later released by the police.
Ms Mdeliswa appeared in many television dramas playing different characters.
Mbatha pleaded guilty and was subsequently convicted of murder and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
In his plea statement, Mbatha told the court that on September 3, 2020, he and his friend known as Ndabandaba went to collect a cellphone from Ms Mdeliswa’s brother in Evander and upon their arrival, an argument erupted over money.
Mbatha told the court that Ms Mdeliswa heard the commotion and when she climbed out of her vehicle, he took Ndabandaba’s gun and shot Ms Mdeliswa in the neck. He then fled the scene.
Ms Fikile Mdeliswa, the mother of Thandeka, said at least she now has closure. The consequences of the murder of her daughter have been traumatic.
She said she has developed some diseases, including ulcers due to stress since the incident occurred.
“I want to thank the detective from Evander Police Station, Sgt Mahlatholle Tshehla, and the team of the Middleburg High Court, who worked tirelessly in making sure that justice prevails.
“I also thank God for all that has happened,” said Ms Mdeliswa.
