YOUNG MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

04 September 2025

YOUNG MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

Nelspruit, Mpumalanga – The Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Mlandvo Linda Vilakati (23), a Swati national, to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of Tsepo Sibiti.

In the early hours of 12 June 2022, the deceased and his friend intervened in a domestic dispute at a neighbour’s house in Zwelisha Trust, KaBokweni. They managed to calm the situation, but while speaking to the neighbours, Vilakati and his friend arrived. An altercation broke out and escalated into violence. During the fight, Vilakati pulled out a knife and stabbed Sibiti multiple times in the neck, killing him instantly.

Police were alerted and arrested Vilakati on the same day. Investigations further revealed that he was in the country illegally.

In court, Vilakati pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence. However, Prosecutor John Mahlwele presented strong evidence from eyewitnesses, including testimony from the accused’s own friend, which corroborated the State’s case. A post-mortem report confirmed that Sibiti had died from multiple stab wounds to the neck. The court rejected Vilakati’s version and convicted him of murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

In aggravation of sentence, Mahlwele argued that there were no compelling or substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. The court agreed, noting Vilakati’s lack of remorse and the seriousness of the offence. He was sentenced as follows:15 years’ imprisonment for murder, 5 years’ imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 12 months’ imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act.

The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning Vilakati will serve 15 years’ direct imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this conviction and sentence, which ensures justice for the victim’s family and reinforces the message that violent offenders will be held accountable. Such outcomes are a testament to effective investigations and the NPA’s commitment to prosecuting violent crime. Ends.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

Regional Spokesperson 

NPA Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za