Gamalakhe lawyer Thubelihle Sbonakaliso Mpisi was recently sentenced to life imprisonment in the South Gauteng High Court for the murder of the mother of his child, Mahlako Malebo Rabalao.

In addition to the murder conviction, Mpisi was also 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.

Mpisi strangled Rabalao to death, then burnt her body beyond recognition in her Mercedes-Benz in Midrand on March 7, 2023. Investigators found that petrol was used to start the fire, and the post-mortem showed that Rabalao had died before the fire.

Furthermore, cellphone records indicated that Mpisi was near the scene on the day of the incident, and an Uber driver had testified that he had picked him up close to where the burnt vehicle and body were found.

Mpisi was arrested on July 28, 2023, after trending on social media for mourning Rabalao’s death, which drew sympathy from his followers. He posted videos about how hurt he was and how difficult life was without her.

After his arrest, he remained in custody.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the conviction and sentencing, which reflects the seriousness with which the courts treat gender-based violence and femicide.

“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 Rabalao had died before the vehicle was set alight,” said NPA Gauteng Division spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlole.

Mohlatlole added that the State successfully relied on compelling circumstantial evidence, including cellphone records, forensic evidence, expert testimony, and Mpisi’s conduct before and after the incident, to prove that he murdered Rabalao before setting her body and vehicle alight to conceal the crime.

He said evidence presented during the trial further established that Rabalao and Mpisi were involved in an intimate relationship.

“Rabalao had informed family members and friends of her intention to end the relationship and move out of the home she shared with him.”

Mohlatlole added that the court further emphasised that, as an attorney and officer of the court, Mpisi was expected to uphold and respect the law.

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