By Staff Reporter
The Mbombela Division High Court has sentenced Sibusiso Lucky Mahlalela (45) to life imprisonment on 29 January 2026 for the murder of Pretty Fikile Mokone that reportedly occurred in the early hours of 11 August 2024 at Sinqobile Village, Barberton.
Mahlalela and Mokone were reportedly in a romantic relationship and living together at the time of the incident.
Speaking on behalf of the SAPS(South African Police Service) in Mpumalanga, Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said the couple was returning home from a tavern and an argument ensued when Mahlalela received a phone call from an unknown person. Mokone reportedly accused Mahlalela 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,” said Captain Nonyane-Mpe.
Mokone reportedly died while on her way to seek medical attention. According to Captain Nonyane-Mpe, Mahlalela found her lying on the ground unresponsive after he went to fetch water as requested by Mokone.
“ Mahlalela concealed Mokone’s body in nearby bushes for the remainder of the day and only reported the incident to the police the following morning. He later confessed to the assault and was arrested and the case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Standford Gumede.
“ In court, Mahlalela pleaded not guilty, claiming that he had no intention to kill the deceased. However, the State presented compelling evidence. This 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 Mahlalela’s version and found him guilty of murder,” said Captain Nonyane-Mpe.
In sentencing Mahlalela to life imprisonment, Judge LD Vukeya emphasised the need for strong deterrent messages to combat gender-based violence, which has been declared a state of emergency in South Africa.
Mahlalela was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal was dismissed.
The sentence was welcomed by Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi. He commended the investigators and prosecution team for ensuring that justice is served by securing the conviction.
“ This judgment sends a strong message that crimes of Gender-Based violence and femicide, particularly those committed in domestic relationship, will not be tolerated. The SAPS remains resolute to protect women and children and urges the community to report crimes of domestic violence before they escalate into loss of life,” said Major-General Mkhwanazi.
