By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Tlhabane Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Sithandile Ndlobothi (36), to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife.
The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm. His conviction emanates from an incident that took place on the 14 January 2023, at Phase 1 Freedom Park, near Rustenburg.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the accused suspected his wife, Subenathi Nqalekane, of infidelity. It was indicated that on the night of the incident, while he was sleeping, he was awakened by the cries of their baby, and he went to put the baby to sleep.
He subsequently realised that his wife was not in the house, to which he went out searching for her. He was later called by neighbours, telling him that she had returned.
NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said on his return, an argument ensued, and he started assaulting her with his hands, and a stick and also kicked her with booted feet, while she remained helpless.
“He stopped momentarily while she confessed that she went to visit a man she was having an affair with. The beating continued thereafter, with onlookers and his brother-in-law pleading with him to stop.
“She was later transported to a nearby medical facility where she succumbed to her injuries upon arrival. The accused was arrested on 16 January 2023, and during trial, he pleaded guilty to the offence,” Mamothame said.
In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Sangweni Zimema, indicated to the court that domestic violence is a pandemic which the courts need to act on vigorously.
He further alluded to the trauma that will be suffered by their 6-year-old son, who will grow up without a mother.
Magistrate Segakweng Moeng agreed with the state and remarked on the magnitude of cases before the courts relating to serious and violent crimes against women and children. He further highlighted the need for a clear message to be sent by the courts on such criminal offences.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Sergeant Motsheoa Segopolo from the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) and other role players who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book.