Tebogo Msimanga |
The Pretoria High Court on Tuesday sentenced Foster Maluleke (41), from Saulsville to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of his 33-year-old wife, Rirhandzu Life Shisana. In the early hours of 22 November 2021, Maluleke and his wife had an argument that led to a physical fight at their residence in Atteridgeville.
Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said during their fight, Shisana died on the scene and when Maluleke realised that their wife had died, he laid her on the bed, covered her body with a blanket and fled the scene. “On the same day, he called the police and informed them about what had happened. When the police arrived where he was, he together with the police went to the house where the incident occurred”.
In court, Maluleke pleaded guilty and said, the incident was a form of self-defence against the deceased, and his intentions were not to kill the deceased. Through his legal representative, he asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as he has three minor children. However, state prosecutor Advocate David Molokomme, told the court that the deceased was killed by Maluleke, a month before the wedding at the home they shared, a place she regarded as a safe space.
Judge Papi Masopa, agreed with the state and said that Maluleke did not respect the deceased right to life, when killing her and that he was not remorseful for his actions as he did not even ask for forgiveness from the family and community through his attorney.
