The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the life sentence imposed on a Limpopo man who murdered his wife, a former nurse at Lebowakgomo Hospital, in a case described by the court as a premeditated act of domestic violence.
The Polokwane High Court sentenced 56-year-old Molabe Fannie Seribishane of Ngwaname Newstand in Mafefe to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Mumsy Seribishane, following a successful prosecution led by the NPA.
Evidence presented before the court revealed a history of abuse and intimidation. In 2023, Seribishane threatened his wife and violated a protection order that had been granted against him under the Domestic Violence Act.
On 22 October 2024, the accused arrived at Lebowakgomo Hospital, where his wife worked, armed with a semi-automatic firearm. He confronted and fatally shot her before fleeing the scene in a white Volkswagen Golf 7.
Police arrested Seribishane on 13 November 2024 while he was driving a white Volkswagen Golf 7. During the arrest, officers recovered a firearm that had been reported stolen in Seshego earlier in 2024. Ballistic tests later confirmed that the weapon was used in the murder of Mumsy Seribishane.
The court also heard evidence that the accused had repeatedly threatened to burn down the family home.
During sentencing proceedings, Senior State Advocate David Sebelebele argued that the accused acted as though he was above the law and became enraged by the deceased’s decision to seek legal protection and other lawful remedies to address their marital problems.
Sebelebele told the court that Seribishane’s resentment ultimately led him to carefully plan and carry out the murder. He further submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify deviating from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.
In delivering judgment, Judge Karin Leanee Pillay agreed with the State’s arguments and described the prosecution’s case as overwhelming.
“The State presented a watertight case. The accused never showed remorse and continued to blame other people for the murder of his wife, despite the protection order that had been granted against him before the offence was committed. He planned the murder and executed it,” Judge Pillay said.
In addition to life imprisonment for murder, the court sentenced Seribishane to six years’ imprisonment for contravening the Domestic Violence Act, 15 years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and six years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
The court ordered that all additional sentences run concurrently with the life sentence for murder. Seribishane was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, praised the investigation and prosecution teams for securing the conviction and sentence.
Thenga commended the investigating officer, Captain Phaladi Makola, and Senior State Advocate David Sebelebele for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring justice for the victim and her family.
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