Durban — The mother of 17-year-old Sibahle Faith Biyela became emotional outside the Durban High Court as she spoke about her daughter after the man who was convicted of her murder and rape was handed two life sentences on Thursday.
On Thursday, Judge Bruce Bedderson sentenced Samkelo Dube to a further five years for the attack on Thandiwe Shange.
Biyela was in Grade 11 at the time of her murder in 2020. She was doing part-time jobs and had been an extra on an SABC TV soapie.
After matriculating, she wanted to pursue her studies Zonke Mabhida, Biyela’s mother, said: “I am happy with the sentence even though it will not bring my daughter back.
“I find solace in knowing that he will be in prison for a long time with other people like him… I thank God that He has been with us on the four-year journey. It was not easy…”
In the events leading to the killing, Dube, Biyela and Shange had been having drinks in his house.
Biyela and Shange left the assailant’s residence just after midnight and as they were walking home, he ran up to them accusing Biyela of having stolen his cellphone.
He began assaulting Biyela and when Shange intervened, she was attacked as well. A neighbour, Ntombi Ngidi, came out of her home and helped Shange.
And as Shange and Dube were separated in their brawl, Biyela ran away and the killer ran in her direction.
“Even if he maintains his innocence, the court still found him guilty.
“My child had dreams and a bright future and her dreams were crushed,” said Mabhida.
After Dube was sentenced his mother walked up to him and hugged and kissed him at the top of the stairs leading into the grids.
“I was disappointed to see her hug and kiss him, this means that she supports him in what he did but the sentence he got he deserved,” Mabhida said.
“She then came to us asking to speak to us. This is the very first time she has spoken to us I don’t understand what it is she would say at this late stage. Her son caused us so much pain.”
In aggravation of sentence, senior State prosecutor advocate Khatija Essack said Dube had showed no remorse even after he had been found guilty.
“The injuries sustained by the deceased were brutal. She had fractures and stab wounds all to the face. Rape and murder attract a minimum sentence of life, there is no other appropriate sentence other than life.”
In sentencing, Judge Bedderson said there was no doubt the murder and rape of Biyela was brutal and savage.
“The brazen manner on the part of the (assailant) against the deceased and Shange will remain etched in one’s memory. The courts are expected to dispense justice in matters like this. This kind of brutality has become part of regular life in South Africa and the courts need to send a strong message.
“Violence against women has reached pandemic proportions in SA.
“I’ve considered the accused’s personal circumstances and the fact that he has been in jail for four years.”
Judge Bedderson said that he agreed with the State that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify departure from the minimum sentence for rape and murder.
“As far as I’m concerned, an injustice would ensue if I were to depart from the minimum sentence.”
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