Man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife

Man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife

The Pretoria High Court sentenced Christhappy Foster Maluleke (41) from Saulsville to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of his 33-year-old wife, Rirhandzu Life Shisana. In the early hours of 22 November 2021, Maluleke and his wife were having an argument that led to a physical fight at their place of residence in Atteridgeville. The deceased succumbed to the injuries during the fight and died on the scene. When Maluleke realised that the wife had died, he laid her on the bed, covered her body with a blanket and fled the scene. On the same day, he called the police and informed them about what had happened. When the police arrived where he was when he called them, he together with the police went to the house where the incident occurred.

In court, Maluleke pleaded guilty and said, the incident was a form of self-defense against the deceased, and his intentions were not to kill her. Through his legal representative, he asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as he has three minor children. However, state prosecutor, Advocate David Molokomme told the court that the deceased was killed by Maluleke, a month before the wedding at the home they shared, a place she regarded as a safe space.  Furthermore, the deceased expected Maluleke to protect her, instead he killed her and left her loved ones with permanent trauma, said Molokomme. He also handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the Court Preparation Officer, Lebohang Lebese where the mother of the deceased stated that the death of her daughter affected her psychologically which resulted in her having sleepless nights and being diagnosed with major depression.

When handing down the sentence, Judge Papi Masopa agreed with the state and said that Maluleke did not respect the deceased’s right to life when killing her and that he was not remorseful for his actions as he did not even ask for forgiveness from the family and community through his attorney. The deceased was a defenseless person, who was killed carelessly and brutally by someone who she thought would protect her. Therefore, he found no compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. More so the communities are tired of crimes against women and children, he added. The judge said he hoped the sentence given would teach Maluleke and anyone who wants to commit a similar offence a lesson.

Issued by,

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria