Mpumalanga man gets two life terms for killing his wife and teen daughter
· Citizen
A history of domestic violence in a Mpumalanga family ended in tragedy when a father killed his wife and teenage daughter and wounded their five-year-old daughter, earning two life sentences.
Mandla Moses Sibiya, 43, will spend the rest of his life in prison after the Mpumalanga High Court, sitting in Mbombela, sentenced him to two life terms and an additional 10 years’ imprisonment.
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Sibiya marriage was marked by domestic violence
The husband and father was convicted on two counts of premeditated murder and one count of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm for the brutal murder of his wife, Fisiwe Lesiah Sibiya, and their teenage daughter, Lungelo Sibiya, and the assault of their five-year-old daughter.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said that evidence presented in court revealed that the Sibiyas’ marriage was characterised by domestic violence.
What began as domestic violence culminated in tragedy in March 2024 at the family’s home in Mataffin, outside Nelspruit.
On the evening of 22 March 2024, an altercation broke out between the couple after Fisiwe returned home and found Sibiya with their two daughters. The argument escalated into a physical fight, which prompted members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) to intervene.
“The situation intensified when Lungelo alleged that her father intended to sexually assault her. As CPF members prepared to arrest him, Sibiya fled the scene,” Nyuswa said.
Father stabbed wife and two daughters
The following morning at 5am, the husband returned to the house and asked his wife to open the door, claiming he wanted to reconcile.
However, once inside, the couple fought again. The accused then took out a knife and stabbed Fisiwe repeatedly.
“When the couple’s daughters attempted to intervene, he stabbed both children,” Nyuswa said.
“The youngest daughter survived after receiving medical treatment, while Lungelo succumbed to her injuries several days later.”
Shortly after the incident, police arrested Sibiya, and the state successfully opposed his release on bail.
Youngest daughter survived after medical treatment
During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty to the murders, but he denied that they were premeditated.
State Advocate Matimba Maluleke presented compelling evidence, including witness testimony, a post-mortem report, photographic evidence, and a statement made by Lungelo before her death.
“The state’s case demonstrated that the murders had been planned, and the court rejected the accused’s version as false before convicting him of premeditated murder,” Nyuswa said.
Advocate Maluleke emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of domestic and gender-based violence in aggravation of sentence, highlighting the devastating impact that these crimes have on families and communities. He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentences.
The state also presented a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the victims’ maternal grandmother. The statement detailed the emotional, psychological and financial consequences the family suffered because of Sibiya’s offences.
Unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children
In sentencing, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances that justified a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence.
Sibiya was sentenced to life imprisonment for each count of murder and 10 years’ imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence, which reflects the gravity of these heinous crimes and affirms the justice system’s commitment to protecting women and children from violence,” Nyuswa said.
“The successful prosecution demonstrates the NPA’s unwavering determination to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence and domestic violence accountable and to ensure justice for victims and their families.”