A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his female friend in Barberton, a judgment welcomed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga.

The Mbombela Division of the High Court handed down the sentence on 29 January 2026 against Sibusiso Lucky Mahlalela for the murder of Pretty Fikile Mokone. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga praised the ruling, describing it as a strong stance against gender-based violence.

The incident took place in the early hours of 11 August 2024 at Sinqobile Village, Barberton. Mahlalela and Mokone, who were in a domestic relationship and lived together, were returning home from a tavern when an argument broke out following a phone call Mahlalela received. Mokone accused him of infidelity, leading to a violent altercation.

During the argument, Mahlalela assaulted Mokone, striking her several times with a wooden plank. Although they returned home, Mokone later complained of severe headaches and planned to visit a clinic the next day. While on their way to seek medical assistance, she collapsed and became unresponsive.

Instead of immediately seeking help, Mahlalela concealed her body in nearby bushes and only reported the matter to police the following morning. He later confessed to the assault and was arrested. The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Standford Gumede.

In court, Mahlalela pleaded not guilty, claiming he did not intend to kill Mokone. However, the State presented strong evidence, including photographs and post-mortem findings, which confirmed that Mokone died from multiple injuries sustained during the assault. The court rejected his version and found him guilty of murder.

In sentencing, the judge highlighted the ongoing public outcry over domestic violence, which has been declared a state of emergency, and stressed the need for sentences that serve as a deterrent. Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances, the court imposed the prescribed life sentence. Mahlalela was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal was dismissed.