HUSBAND SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF HIS WIFE

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed by the Polokwane High Court on Molabe Fannie Seribishane (56) of Ngwaname Newstand, Mafefe, for the murder of his wife, Mumsy Seribishane, a former nurse at Lebowakgomo Hospital. Evidence before the court revealed that in 2023, Seribishane threatened his wife and contravened a protection order granted in terms of the Domestic Violence Act.

On 22 October 2024, the accused confronted his wife at her workplace at Lebowakgomo Hospital while armed with a semi-automatic firearm. He shot and killed her before fleeing the scene in a white Volkswagen Golf 7. The accused was arrested on 13 November 2024 while driving a white Volkswagen Golf 7. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a firearm that had been reported stolen in Seshego in 2024. Ballistic evidence linked the firearm to the murder of Mumsy Seribishane.

The court further heard that on several occasions, the accused had threatened to burn down the family home.

In aggravation of sentence, Senior State Advocate David Sebelebele submitted that the accused behaved as though he was above the law and was angered by the deceased's decision to seek legal remedies to address their marital disputes. He argued that the accused's resentment led him to plan and execute the murder. Advocate Sebelebele further submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.

In passing sentence, Judge Karin Leanee Pillay agreed with the State's submissions and remarked: "The State presented a watertight case. The accused never showed remorse and continued to blame other people for the murder of his wife, despite the protection order that had been granted against him before the offence was committed. He planned the murder and executed it."

The court sentenced Seribishane as follows: Murder: Life imprisonment, Contravention of the Domestic Violence Act: Six years' imprisonment, Unlawful possession of a firearm: 15 years' imprisonment and Unlawful possession of ammunition: Six years' imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentences on the remaining counts run concurrently with the sentence of life imprisonment for murder. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, commended the investigating team led by Captain Phaladi Makola, as well as Senior State Advocate David Sebelebele, for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction and sentence.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Limpopo Division