MBOMBELA – A Mpumalanga man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the brutal murders of his wife and daughter two years ago.

Mandla Moses Sibiya (43) received two life sentences and an additional 10 years’ direct imprisonment at the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, which was sitting in Mbombela.

His sentencing follows conviction on two counts of premeditated murder and one count of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was convicted of killing his wife, Fisiwe Lesiah Sibiya, and their teenage daughter, Lungelo Sibiya, and assaulting his five-year-old daughter.

Charges relate to an incident that occurred on the night of Friday 22 March 2024 at the family’s home in Mataffin in Mbombela.

It started when an altercation broke out between Sibiya and his wife after he returned home and found her with their two daughters.

As the dispute escalated into a physical confrontation, members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) intervened.

When Lungelo alleged that her father intended to sexually assault her, CPF members prepared to arrest Sibiya, but he fled the scene before they could do so.

He returned to the family home at 05:00 the following morning, claiming that he wanted to reconcile with his family.

Once inside, another argument erupted during which Sibiya produced a knife and repeatedly stabbed his wife. When the couple’s daughters attempted to intervene, he stabbed both children as well.

His youngest daughter survived after receiving medical treatment, while Lungelo succumbed to her injuries several days later.

Sibiya was swiftly arrested, and during his bail application, the State successfully opposed his release.

During the trial, Sibiya pleaded guilty to the murders but denied that they were premeditated. State advocate Matimba Maluleke presented evidence that contradicted Sibiya.

This included witness testimony, a post-mortem report, photographic evidence and a statement made by Lungelo before her death.

Evidence also showed that Sibiya’s marriage had been characterised by domestic violence. A victim impact statement by the victims’ maternal grandmother detailed the profound emotional, psychological and financial consequences suffered by the family as a result of the offences.

In aggravation of sentence, Maluleke highlighted the seriousness and prevalence of gender-based violence and domestic violence, emphasising the devastating impact of such crimes on families and communities. He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentences.

In sentencing, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances that justified a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Sibiya was accordingly sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of murder and 10 years’ imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children.

Monica Nyuswa, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Mpumalanga, says the sentence is welcomed, as it reflects the gravity of these heinous crimes and affirms the justice system’s commitment to protecting women and children from violence.

She adds that the successful prosecution of Sibiya demonstrates the NPA’s unwavering determination to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence and domestic violence accountable and to ensure justice for victims and families.

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