Man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of his girlfriend in South Africa

Thursday, December 18, 2025 - The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, has sentenced a 38-year-old man, Mikah Shalamuka Willy Sithole. to life imprisonment for the brutal m8rder of his girlfriend, Nicolene Morgan.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in a statement on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 said Sithole and Morgan were in a domestic relationship and lived together at his residence. 

On 21 December 2024, Morgan and her sister attended a social gathering at Cork Trust in the Bushbuckridge district. Sithole arrived at the venue and found them consuming alcohol. 

He requested that Morgan accompany him to her home, claiming that he needed to collect his belongings. When she refused, an argument ensued.

Sithole forcibly removed Morgan from the venue and assaulted her while escorting her away. He diverted their route to his place of residence, where Morgan was later k!lled.

On the morning of 22 December 2024, Sithole asked his brother-in-law to seek assistance so that Morgan could be taken to hospital. While the brother-in-law was away, Sithole k!lled her and fled the scene. 

Morgan was later found with visible injuries on her body. The matter was reported to the police, and investigations led to Sithole’s arrest a few days later.

Despite pleading not guilty, Sithole was convicted on strong circumstantial evidence. 

State Advocate Fedile Tsotetsi led evidence from multiple witnesses, including testimony relating to a history of abuse. 

The post-mortem report confirmed that the cause of death was consistent with asphyxia due to external pressure on the neck. The court accepted the evidence presented by the State and rejected the accused’s version. 

In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Tsotetsi emphasised the prevalence of domestic violence and femicide in South Africa, noting the brutality of the crime and the accused’s lack of remorse. 

Victim impact statements, compiled by the deceased’s mother and siblings with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena, detailed the profound emotional trauma and lasting impact of the crime on the family.

The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and accordingly sentenced Sithole to life imprisonment for murder. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the finalisation of this matter and reiterates its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide. The NPA remains resolute in prioritising cases involving vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable," the statement added.