Lawyer faces murder charge
The former Marburg Secondary pupil appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court in Gauteng on allegations of murdering his girlfriend and burning her inside a vehicle in March 2023.
The arrest of legal practitioner, Thubelihle Sbonakaliso Mpisi for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Mahlako Malebo Rabalao has sent shockwaves throughout the country.
The former Marburg Secondary pupil appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng on Monday this week, on allegations of murdering his girlfriend and burning her inside a vehicle in March 2023.
The 30-year-old is formerly from Gamalakhe and has worked as a commercial law attorney for Adams and Adams Attorneys and for the EFF.
He shares a son with Rabalao.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said Mpisi was arrested in Westville, Durban last Friday.
“Police received a call about a burning vehicle in Midrand on March 7, 2023 at about 9pm. On their arrival, they found a Mercedes Benz on fire. After the fire was extinguished, human remains were found in the front seat of the car. Police immediately conducted an investigation, and the deceased was identified. As police always prioritise cases of gender-based violence, the docket was transferred to the Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit and assigned to a seasoned investigating officer who continued with the investigation. During the investigation, it transpired that the deceased was killed and burnt inside the vehicle, and the suspect is her boyfriend,” said Masondo, adding that the police’s thorough investigation led to the boyfriend’s arrest after a warrant of arrest was issued against him.
Since the news of Mpisi’s arrest, a number of South Coasters have taken to social media to express their shock and disappointment regarding the allegations and the arrest.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela welcomed the arrest and applauded the investigation team that worked to bring the suspect to book.
“As the police, we will continue to prioritise cases where women and children are the victims. I am grateful for the manner in which the detectives handled this investigation and that the suspect is brought to book for the family to find closure,” said Mawela.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng local division spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane said Mpisi remains in police custody and will be back in court on August 7 for a possible bail hearing.
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