A Johannesburg courtroom has delivered a verdict in a tragic case that shook the city last year.
Sibusiso Zitha, 41, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of his former girlfriend, Thembekile Letlape, widely known as The Pastry Chef.
Guilty Plea and Court Decision
Zitha pleaded guilty to the murder, and the Johannesburg High Court imposed the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years, even though the State had requested a life sentence.
The case drew widespread attention because of the brutal nature of the crime and the public profile of the victim.
The Horrific Attack
The tragedy occurred on 30 May 2024, when Letlape and Zitha were living together in Fourways.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), an argument broke out while Letlape was preparing food.
During the confrontation, Zitha violently attacked her, stabbing her multiple times in the face and chest.
Disturbingly, the attack occurred in front of Zitha’s 10-year-old daughter.
Letlape’s father, Dr. Kgosi Letlape, told the court that his daughter had repeatedly expressed her desire to leave the abusive relationship but had stayed in the toxic household.
Court Considers Remorse and Other Factors
In deciding the sentence, the court took into account several factors: Zitha’s expressed remorse, his guilty plea, acceptance of responsibility, confession to police, his role as a father to minor children, and the time he had already spent in custody.
NPA Welcomes the Sentence
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that the sentence sends a clear message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.
“While the court exercised its discretion in deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence, the NPA remains committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the voices of victims and their families are heard and respected throughout the judicial process,” the authority said.
The case has sparked public debate, with many questioning whether the sentence was sufficient given the severity of the crime.