PAROLEE HANDED LIFE SENTENCE FOR MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND

17 December 2025

PAROLEE HANDED LIFE SENTENCE FOR MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed by the Cala Magistrates’ Court, where Mabhuti Mabra Mbili (35) was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his 22-year-old girlfriend. In May 2024, the lifeless body of a young woman was discovered by a shepherd in the mountainous area of Tsengiwe Administrative Area. The body was found decapitated, with the head severed from the torso. The deceased was later identified as the accused’s girlfriend.

During the investigation, a photograph depicting the deceased in the company of two males circulated on social media. This assisted police in narrowing their investigation, which led to the arrest of the accused. Following his arrest, the accused led police officers to a location where the severed head of the deceased was recovered.

In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Odwa Mmeli argued that life imprisonment was the only appropriate sentence, given the gruesome and brutal way the offence was committed. She submitted that the deceased suffered an exceptionally violent death at the hands of the accused. The prosecutor further highlighted the accused’s violent disposition, pointing to his previous convictions for murder and robbery. At the time of committing this offence, the accused was out on parole. Mmeli also emphasised that the matter ranks among the most shocking incidents of femicide, reflecting the deepening national crisis of gender-based violence in the country.

The court sentenced Mbili to life imprisonment and further declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Members of the Cala community welcomed the court’s judgement and attended proceedings in large numbers to hear the outcome of the trial, reflecting the community’s demand for justice and accountability.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said the outcome sends a strong and unequivocal message that acts of extreme violence against women will not be tolerated. He commended the prosecution team and investigating officers for their perseverance in securing justice in a complex and harrowing case and reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable. The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to the vigorous prosecution of gender-based violence and femicide and affirms that those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Tel: 047 501 2630

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za