LIFE SENTENCE FOR FEMICIDE
29 May 2025
LIFE SENTENCE FOR FEMICIDE
The Sterkpruit Regional Court sentenced Lelethu Matheza (20) to life imprisonment for the murder of Sibongile Mankayi, a 22-year-old woman from Esilindini Administrative Area in Sterkspruit. In the early hours of 08 October 2023, the body of the deceased was discovered lying naked in a pool of blood, with multiple stab wounds and her genital area mutilated. The brutal nature of the offence shocked the local community. On the same day, Matheza was arrested after admitting to the offence and directing police to the murder weapon. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of the victim’s blood on his clothing, linking him to the crime.
The accused pleaded guilty on 26 March 2025 and was convicted as charged. Arguing for an appropriate sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Anele Magibile led evidence, including the DNA results, a post-mortem report, and a photo album from the scene. The court also heard moving testimony from the victim’s mother about the devastating impact of the murder on her family. The prosecutor argued that the crime was not only brutal and senseless but also part of the broader crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) plaguing the nation. It was further submitted that the mutilated body part of the victim remains unrecovered, compounding the trauma suffered by the family.
In sentencing the accused to life imprisonment, the court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentence prescribed for premeditated murder. The accused's claims of intoxication from drugs and alcohol were not sufficient to mitigate the gravity of the offence.
Welcoming the life sentence handed down for a brutal case of femicide, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, reiterated the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering stance against gender-based violence and crimes targeting women. “This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of gender-based violence will face the full might of the law. The NPA remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims and holding offenders accountable,” said Mr Madolo.
He commended the prosecution team, investigators, and all stakeholders involved for their dedication and collaborative efforts in securing the conviction. “We thank all role players for their hard work and commitment to justice. It is through such partnerships that we restore hope and dignity to survivors and their families.”
Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za /0682682473