FREE STATE – In a decisive ruling against gender-based violence, Mzwakhe Paulos Mhlambi has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the femicide and murder of his girlfriend, Dibakiso Maria Motaung. The Bloemfontein High Court, convening at the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court, finalized the conviction of the 42-year-old QwaQwa resident, delivering a maximum penalty for the brutal killing.
The tragic events unfolded on the morning of Sunday, 25 January 2026, at approximately 08:45, when law enforcement from the Tseki police station answered a homicide call in Phamong Village, QwaQwa. Responding officers discovered the 36-year-old victim motionless inside a residence. Emergency Medical Services personnel pronounced her dead at the scene, noting she was partially undressed and exhibited distinct bruising on her face and thighs.
Detective Sergeant Montane Mokitimi of the Tseki Detective Service led the subsequent murder investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that Mhlambi subjected Motaung to a violent assault, forcefully and repeatedly striking her against an interior wall following accusations of infidelity. A forensic post-mortem examination later established that fatal internal bleeding directly resulted from this physical trauma. Additionally, investigators secured a panga discovered in close proximity to the victim’s body at the crime scene.
The legal proceedings culminated on Thursday, 30 July 2026, when the court formally convicted Mhlambi of murder, categorizing the act as femicide, and handed down the life sentence. Advocate Mkhabela represented the State during the prosecution.
Reacting to the verdict, Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia commended the court’s decision. Lieutenant General Lesia emphasized that the life sentence serves as a stern warning that gender-based violence and femicide are entirely unacceptable, assuring the public that offenders will confront the full might of the justice system.
Â
Â