MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND 

29 January 2026 

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND 

Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, has sentenced Sibusiso Lucky Mahlalela (45) to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Pretty Fikile Mokone. Mahlalela and Mokone were in a domestic relationship and lived together. The incident occurred in the early hours of 11 August 2024 at Sinqobile Village, Barberton. The couple was returning home from a tavern when Mahlalela received a phone call from an unknown person. This led to an argument after Mokone accused him of infidelity. 

During the altercation, Mahlalela assaulted Mokone, striking her multiple times with a wooden plank. The couple later returned to their residence, where Mokone complained of severe headaches and indicated that she would seek medical assistance at a nearby clinic the following day. While on their way to the clinic, Mokone requested water, which Mahlalela went to fetch. Upon his return, he found her lying unresponsive on the ground. Mahlalela kept Mokone’s body in nearby bushes for the remainder of the day and only reported the matter to the police the following morning. He confessed to the assault and was subsequently arrested. 

In court, Mahlalela pleaded not guilty and claimed that he had no intention to kill the deceased. However, State Advocate Senzo Zindela led compelling evidence, including testimony from the accused’s stepdaughter, who described the history of physical abuse suffered by her mother and confirmed that the relationship was characterised by gender-based violence. The evidence was corroborated by photographic exhibits and a post-mortem report, which confirmed that Mokone died as a result of multiple injuries sustained during the assault. The court rejected the accused’s version and found him guilty of murder. 

During sentencing proceedings, the State highlighted the prevalence of domestic violence in the country, noting that women and children are often harmed by those closest to them. The State urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. Victim impact statements, compiled by the deceased’s mother and children with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena, detailed the profound emotional trauma and lasting impact of the crime on the family. In sentencing, Judge Vukeya remarked on the public outcry against domestic violence, which has been declared a state of emergency. She emphasised society’s reliance on the courts to impose sentences that send a strong deterrent message. Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, the court sentenced Mahlalela to life imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal was dismissed. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the finalisation of this matter and reiterates its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide. The NPA remains resolute in prioritising cases involving vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. 

Issued by: 

Monica Nyuswa 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Director of Public Prosecutions – Mpumalanga 

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446 

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za