Businessman Sibusiso Zitha accused of the murder of pastry chef Thembekile Letlape has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Johannesburg High Court Judge Shanaaz Mia says convicted murderer and businessman Sibusiso Zitha, showed remorse and took responsibility for the death of his former girlfriend, Pastry Chef, Thembekile Letlape.
Zitha admitted stabbing Letlape multiple times during an argument at their residence in Fourways, Johannesburg in May last year.
Judge Mia says Zitha confessed to Letlape’s murder and handed himself to the police.
“The first aspect is that the accused showed remorse and he takes responsibility for the loss to Ms Letlake’s family. He has minor children who will not have regular access and are deprived from his support in circumstances where he was a dedicated parent. He confessed and handed himself over to the police and did not try to evade the trial or concede his conduct. He also spent over a year awaiting trial. Having regard to all of the factors, I’m satisfied that the sentence of 15 years imprisonment is appropriate, and the accused is sent to 15 years imprisonment.”
In July this year, 41-year-old Zitha was found guilty of her murder.
This is what Zitha had to say during mitigating arguments in court on Thursday.
“It wasn’t one thing; it wasn’t about her. I had problems, I had issues, and I think they piled up to a point where I got triggered. So I was not okay, and I knew I was not okay. So, when I met the deceased, I did mention this to her and one of the reasons I loved her was that she accepted me as I was, and that shouldn’t have been the case.”
“On the night of the incident, it wasn’t about that particular night, but we had a fight, there was an exchange of words, unpleasant words about a sensitive topic and I’m touchy. I snapped, and I couldn’t stop myself, until I saw her body laying on the floor,” he explained.
Zitha asked Letlape’s family to forgive him.
“Ntate Letlape, Tebogo, Mamzo, there aren’t words to describe what I have done and the pain that I have caused you. I’m deeply, deeply sorry for what happened and for the pain that I’ve put you through. I’m sorry, I’m very sorry I betrayed you. I should have been more open with you, I should have been more forthcoming with you about my own personal problems that were impacting my relationship with Thembi but I had my own pride issues that got in the way and led to her passing and I ask you to please if you can find it in your hearts to one day forgive me for my actions, it wasn’t my intention.”
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