The horrific murder of 22-year-old Sibongile Mankayi in the Esilindini Administrative Area led to the sentencing of 20-year-old Lelethu Matheza to life in prison, a tragedy that has left the Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape, community in mourning.
Sibongile’s family and neighbours are experiencing severe grief as a result of the senseless death of a lively young soul.
Sibongile’s body was found desecrated in a pool of blood with numerous stab wounds on the morning of October 8, 2023.
The mutilation of her genital area, a wound so heinous it is incomprehensible, added to the attack’s savagery.
Blood found on accused’s clothes
“I can’t erase the image of my daughter like that,” wept Sibongile’s mother in court, her voice trembling with grief. “She was my everything, and now she’s gone.”
Matheza led police to the murder weapon after confessing to the crime. His guilt was established by forensic evidence, such as Sibongile’s blood on his clothes.
Anele Magibile, the court prosecutor who relentlessly pursued justice, turned in a post-mortem report, a photo album from the scene, and DNA results.
In addition to being vicious and senseless, he contended that the crime was a component of the larger national gender-based violence crisis.
“The mutilated body part of the victim remains unrecovered, compounding the trauma suffered by the family,” said Magibile.
Sibongile’s family was spared the suffering of a drawn-out trial when Matheza entered a guilty plea in March.
Heartbroken mother’s testimony
Matheza claimed to have committed the crime while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, but the court was unimpressed by his blame game.
“No excuse can undo this tragedy,” the judge said solemnly, reflecting the gravity of the crime.
The testimony of the deceased’s mother brought the courtroom to a halt. “Every day feels empty without her smile,” she said, her words heavy with loss.
Barry Madolo, the director of public prosecutions for the Eastern Cape, said that although justice has been served, it cannot bring Sibongile back.
“This sentence is a stand against gender-based violence, but it’s also a reminder of how much we’ve lost. We remain committed to fighting for victims like Sibongile and supporting their families,” Madolo said.
Madolo stated that they hope her loved ones will find some comfort in the sentence, despite their indescribable grief.
