The Pietermaritzburg High Court has handed down sentences to Siyabonga Shelembe (37), Thandolwethu Sibisi (23), Sphelele Cele (21), and Thobani Mkhize (24) after they were found guilty of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The convictions stem from their involvement in the killing of Shelembe’s aunt, Tholakele Cynthia Shelembe (53), whom he believed to be practicing witchcraft and bewitching family members.
Siyabonga Shelembe initially enlisted the help of Thandolwethu Sibisi to carry out the murder. Subsequently, Sibisi recruited Sphelele Cele and Thobani Mkhize to assist in the killing of Tholakele.
On 07 November 2021, Sibisi, Cele, and Mkhize executed Shelembe’s plan, traveling to Tholakele’s homestead in the Nyangwini area of the Ugu district. Armed with a knobkerrie provided by Shelembe, they brutally attacked and strangled Tholakele to death. Following the murder, they reported back to Shelembe and stole her two motor vehicles as payment, burning one and selling the other. Shelembe’s arrest the next day led to the apprehension of his co-conspirators.
During the trial, the state presented compelling evidence, including testimony from a section 204 witness who was present during the commission of the crimes, as well as confession statements from the accused. Victim Impact Statements submitted by Tholakele’s daughter and pastor underscored the devastating loss suffered by her family and community.
The court handed down the following sentences: Shelembe and Mkhize received life imprisonment for murder, while Sibisi and Cele were sentenced to 25 years and 18 years imprisonment, respectively. Despite the gravity of their crimes, the court deviated from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment for Sibisi and Cele due to their youth at the time of the offense and their expressions of remorse. For the robbery with aggravating circumstances, Shelembe and Mkhize received 15 years imprisonment each, while Sibisi and Cele were sentenced to 12 years and 10 years imprisonment, respectively. Their application for leave to appeal was dismissed.
The National Prosecuting Authority commended the successful conclusion of this case, emphasizing the importance of robust prosecution and law enforcement efforts in securing justice. It is hoped that these sentences will serve as a deterrent to others and provide some measure of closure to the victim’s family.