Durban — The mother of a slain woman who was stabbed and killed by her husband said they were hoping for a harsher sentence.
Regina Mnyandu was speaking to the Daily News on Thursday, after the Durban High Court sentenced Sibusiso Bongekhaya Mvubu, 37, to life imprisonment.
Mvubu was arrested in July last year after the murder of his wife, Philisiwe Mvubu. She was stabbed in the abdomen, neck, face and had a gaping wound at the front of her neck.
It is alleged that Mvubu suspected Philisiwe of cheating and finally killed her 10 days after she received a protection order against him.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Philisiwe had not been sleeping at her home and had obtained a protection order after she saw Mvubu boiling water.
She feared he was going to throw it on her. He had, earlier that day, taken away her cellphone.
Philisiwe’s mother, Regina Mnyandu, said she was relieved because the matter had reached its end. However, said she felt the sentence was too lenient.
“We were hoping for at least a double life sentence, because he will be behind bars and be taught a lesson that no one can take law into their hands without facing the consequences. My first child will never see the light again or the sun” she said.
Her aunt, Lindiwe Sisulu (not the politician), said spending the first Christmas without their daughter was a bitter pill to swallow. She described Philisiwe as loving, humble, peaceful and responsible person.
“The thoughts of how we were robbed of our daughter are still painful but we are grateful to this court for showing us that justice in this country is still served.
“What pains me is that she has always been the one who’d wake me and call me on my birthday which is in December. I will miss her and her good heart.
“Our journey to healing starts now. We are happy that this man will not be at peace without his family. He will also feel alone just like we've been feeling since our daughter left us. We are also grateful that he has been put away from society,” said Sisulu.
Delivering the sentence Judge Poyo Dlwati said Philisisiwe was killed in a brutal and callous manner by the person who professed to have loved her.
“In considering the offence, there is no doubt that murder is a serious offence which is prevalent in our country and also in KwaZulu- Natal.”
She said society demanded that stern sentences had to be meted out to the perpetrators of gender-based violence which has been described as another pandemic that has engulfed our country.
Judge Dlwati further stated that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting deviation from the prescribed sentence.
“The sentences which the courts impose must have a deterrent effect on would-be offenders. Whilst punishing the offender, it must also have a preventative effect, particularly in this matter where the accused hasn’t explained why he killed her.
“Courts must be seen to be part of the fight against gender-based violence and this can only be seen if the courts are meting out the prescribed sentences.
“The accused's personal circumstances are far outweighed by the seriousness of the offence and the interests of society. They are also neutral in the face of aggravating factors. Accordingly, the accused is sentenced to life imprisonment,” she said.
Daily News