Life Imprisonment for a Man who Executed his Sister and Attempted to Kill his Stepmother

18 MARCH 2025

Life Imprisonment for a Man who Executed his Sister and Attempted to Kill his Stepmother

Harrismith, Free State - The High Court of South Africa, Free State Division, has sentenced Mofihli Pickson Rapabi (57) to life imprisonment for the murder of his sister, Sophie Buthelezi (46), and 15 years for the attempted murder of his stepmother, Nozizathu Rapabi (81). The trial, which took place from 17 to 21 February 2025, was led by Advocate Lynette Nono Mkhabela. The incident occurred in Poeleng village, Qwaqwa, while Rapabi was visiting his stepmother at her home after travelling from Lenasia, Johannesburg. Upon his arrival, she welcomed him and prepared a meal. Sophie Buthelezi, who was visiting her mother at the time, later joined them in the kitchen.

A confrontation erupted when Sophie did not greet Rapabi, prompting their mother to inquire about the situation. Sophie accused Rapabi of abusing their mother, which led him to draw a firearm and shoot her in the forehead, followed by a second shot to the side of her head. After retrieving another item from a bedroom, he returned and shot his stepmother in the neck. Before leaving, he fired a third execution-style shot into Sophie’s mouth. Despite her severe injuries, the elderly stepmother managed to crawl to the gate to seek help.

During the trial, Rapabi pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence, stating that Sophie had threatened to burn him with boiling water. He also alleged that his stepmother was accidentally shot during a struggle for the firearm. When questioned about the legality of firing a warning shot, he acknowledged knowing about it but believed it to be unlawful. However, under cross-examination, he admitted that Sophie was unarmed at the time he shot her and failed to provide a legal justification for his actions. The court rejected his defence, labelling his actions as execution-style murder, and concurred with the State’s assertion that he acted with intent to kill, particularly given his sister's confrontation about his abusive behaviour.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this conviction and sentence, underscoring the severity of femicide and violence against women, especially within familial settings. This verdict sends a compelling message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face the full force of the law. The NPA emphasises the sanctity of human life and is committed to vigorously pursuing justice in these cases to deter potential offenders.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
Contact: 073 423 3539