BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF PARTNER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down by the Pretoria High Court to Matsobane Phineas Mashaba (28) from Hercules. Mashaba was convicted of the murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Shaunice Maralize Phite. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

On the night of 03 September 2023, Mashaba and the deceased were at their residence in Hercules when he requested her cellphone. After going through its contents, an altercation ensued, during which Mashaba strangled and stabbed the deceased multiple times in the neck and abdomen. Following the incident, Mashaba fled to Limpopo. On 05 September 2023, he returned to Pretoria, where he handed himself over to the police. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

During the trial, Mashaba pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that he acted in self-defence. However, State Prosecutor Adv Sipho Lalane presented compelling evidence that proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. During sentencing proceedings, Mashaba, through his legal representative, requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment and said that he is a first-time offender and the primary financial provider for his mother and siblings. The State opposed this, arguing that the offence is extremely serious and prevalent across the country. Adv Lalane further submitted that Mashaba demonstrated a lack of remorse, noting that he left written notes explaining his actions on top of the deceased’s body after the murder. The court also heard a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese, in which the deceased’s father, aunt, and cousin described the profound emotional trauma suffered by the family. They indicated that they were unable to view her body and that their lives have been permanently altered by her death.

In delivering judgment, Judge Papi Mosopa agreed with the State that Mashaba showed no remorse and committed a crime that is disturbingly prevalent in society. The court found that he violated the deceased’s constitutional right to life and noted that her life as a promising netball player was cut short. The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and accordingly imposed life imprisonment.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and to supporting survivors and their families throughout the legal process.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria