NPA SECURES TWO LIFE SENTENCES AND TEN YEARS' IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF WIFE AND DAUGHTER
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured two life sentences and an additional 10 years' direct imprisonment against Mandla Moses Sibiya (43) in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Mbombela. Sibiya was convicted on two counts of premeditated murder and one count of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The convictions arise from the brutal murder of his wife, Fisiwe Lesiah Sibiya, and their teenage daughter, Lungelo Sibiya, as well as the assault of their five-year-old daughter.
The offences were committed on the night of 22 March 2024 at the family's home in Mataffin, outside Nelspruit. Evidence presented before the court revealed that the marriage had been characterised by domestic violence. On the evening in question, an altercation broke out between the couple after Fisiwe returned home and found the accused with their two daughters. The dispute escalated into a physical confrontation, prompting members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) to intervene.
The situation intensified when Lungelo alleged that her father intended to sexually assault her. As CPF members prepared to arrest him, Sibiya fled the scene.
At approximately 05:00 the following morning, Sibiya returned to the residence and asked his wife to open the door, claiming that he wanted to reconcile. Once inside, another argument erupted. Sibiya then produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed his wife. When the couple's daughters attempted to intervene, he stabbed both children. The youngest daughter survived after receiving medical treatment, while Lungelo succumbed to her injuries several days later.
The accused was arrested shortly thereafter, and the State successfully opposed his release on bail.
During the trial, Sibiya pleaded guilty to the murders but denied that they were premeditated. State Advocate Matimba Maluleke presented compelling evidence, including witness testimony, a post-mortem report, photographic evidence, and a statement made by Lungelo before her death. The State's case demonstrated that the murders had been planned, and the court rejected the accused's version as false before convicting him of premeditated murder.
In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Maluleke highlighted the seriousness and prevalence of gender-based violence and domestic violence, emphasising the devastating impact of such crimes on families and communities. He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentences.
The State also presented a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena and compiled by the victims' maternal grandmother. The statement detailed the profound emotional, psychological, and financial consequences suffered by the family because of the offences.
In sentencing, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances that justified a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence. Sibiya was accordingly sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of murder and 10 years' imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children.
The NPA welcomes the sentence, which reflects the gravity of these heinous crimes and affirms the justice system's commitment to protecting women and children from violence. The successful prosecution demonstrates the NPA's unwavering determination to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence and domestic violence accountable and to ensure justice for victims and their families.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson | DPP Mpumalanga