MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR FEMICIDE

07 November 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR FEMICIDE

Breyten, Mpumalanga – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Breyten has convicted and sentenced Bongani Douglas Motha (31) to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Jhabile Immaculate Mtshali (30).

The incident occurred on 11 May 2024 at Plangweni Tavern in Sheepmoor, where the couple had been consuming alcohol with colleagues and other patrons. On their way home, Motha accused Mtshali of flirting with another patron, which led to an argument. He then assaulted her, hitting her repeatedly with his shoe on her body and face until she fell to the ground. Despite Mtshali’s attempts to defend herself, Motha overpowered her and continued kicking her until she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Motha fled but was later apprehended by his colleagues, who handed him over to the police.

In court, Motha pleaded guilty in terms of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, admitting that his conduct was unlawful, intentional, and without any valid defence. In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Beauty Cibangu, representing the State, highlighted the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa and argued that the accused showed no remorse or compassion, even as the deceased pleaded for him to stop. The court was presented with a postmortem report confirming that Mtshali died of multiple blunt force injuries, as well as a photo album documenting the extent of her injuries.

When imposing a sentence, the court found compelling and substantial reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. Motha was sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for murder and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence and commends the work of the prosecution team. The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide, emphasising the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and protecting vulnerable members of society. Ends.

Enquiries:

Monica Nyuswa

Regional Spokesperson

NPA Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625

Cell: 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za