MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND MURDER OF AN 8-YEAR-OLD GIRL
30 MAY 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND MURDER OF AN 8-YEAR-OLD GIRL
Pretoria, Gauteng – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Pretoria High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, to Nkululeko Mtshali (20) for the rape and murder of 8-year-old Mbali Mahupela in Carletonville. The court also declared Mtshali unfit to possess a firearm, reinforcing the gravity of his crimes committed on 05 January 2023.
On the afternoon of 05 January 2023, Mbali Mahupela was at her Khutsong home with her grandmother when she mentioned that a friend of Mtshali had invited her to his residence, three houses away, under the pretext of taking her to her father. Despite her grandmother’s refusal, Mbali snuck out. When her grandmother noticed her absence, she searched the friend’s residence but found no one. Enlisting her son’s help, they alerted a passing police vehicle. Upon returning to the friend’s home, the grandmother’s son discovered Mbali’s lifeless body on a couch, alone. The following morning, Mtshali and his friend were arrested, though the friend later passed away.
Mtshali pleaded not guilty, claiming his deceased friend instructed him to ejaculate on Mbali’s body. State Prosecutor Advocate Micheal Shivuri presented compelling evidence, including a pathologist’s report confirming the child was physically assaulted, raped, and killed. The court rejected Mtshali’s defence, finding his attempt to shift blame baseless. During sentencing, Mtshali’s legal representative sought leniency, citing his youth and first-offender status. Prosecutor Shivuri countered that Mtshali exploited a defenceless child’s trust, committed a prevalent and serious offence, and caused irreparable harm, including to the grandmother’s health, who hoped to see Mbali grow into a contributing member of society.
Judge Petrus Johannes Johnson, delivering the sentence, condemned Mtshali’s actions, stating, “He committed heinous crimes against a young child who had her whole life ahead of her, ended by a ruthless criminal.” Highlighting Mtshali’s lack of remorse and his attempt to blame his deceased friend, the judge noted the broader crisis of violence against women and children. “Courts bear the responsibility to impose sentences that deter future offenders,” he said, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The firearm ban further underscored the court’s commitment to public safety.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren praised Prosecutor Michael Shivuri for his rigorous prosecution, stating, “This sentence sends a powerful message: the NPA will not tolerate crimes against women and children. We prosecute such cases without fear, favour, or prejudice.” She commended the collaborative efforts of the investigating officers and the community’s swift response, which were instrumental in securing justice for Mbali. This conviction reaffirms the NPA’s mission to protect society’s most vulnerable and uphold the rule of law.
The NPA urges communities to remain vigilant and report GBV and child abuse promptly, ensuring survivors and families receive support through Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs). Mbali’s grandmother’s determination and the community’s involvement highlight the critical role of collective action in confronting such atrocities. The NPA is committed to fostering a safer South Africa where children can grow free from violence.
Issued by:
Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division: Pretoria
lmahanjana@npa.gov.za
073 002 0000