A 41-year-old man, Sibusiso Zitha, has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the murder of his former girlfriend, Thembekile Letlape, popularly known as The Pastry Chef.
Zitha pleaded guilty to the murder, and the Johannesburg High Court imposed the prescribed minimum sentence, despite the State requesting a life sentence.
PASTRY CHEF STABBED MULTIPLE TIMES
The pair had been in a live-in relationship in Fourways until Letlape was killed on 30 May 2024. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), an argument occurred while Letlape was preparing food, during which Zitha violently attacked her. She was stabbed multiple times in the face and chest in the presence of Zitha’s 10-year-old daughter.
The court also heard testimony from Letlape’s father, Dr Kgosi Letlape, who said his daughter had repeatedly expressed her desire to leave the abusive relationship but had remained in the toxic household.
NPA WELCOMES SENTENCING
In sentencing, the court considered the accused’s remorse, his guilty plea, acceptance of responsibility, confession to the police, the fact that he has minor children, and the time he had already spent in custody.
The NPA welcomed the sentence, stating that it sends a strong message that acts of 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.
