Sibusiso Zitha guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend
The Johannesburg High Court has found 41-year-old Sibusiso Zitha guilty of the brutal murder of his former girlfriend, Thembekile Letlape, widely known by fans and followers as The Pastry Chef.
Zitha pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting to the violent attack that led to Letlape’s death.
The court has postponed sentencing until August 28 to allow the defense time to compile a pre-sentence report.
Letlape and Zitha shared a home in Fourways, a busy suburb in Sandton, north of Johannesburg.
On May 30, 2024, what started as a domestic argument took a horrific turn.
Zitha, in a drunken rage, attacked Letlape while she was preparing food.
He stabbed her repeatedly in the face and chest using multiple knives, an act carried out in front of his 10-year-old daughter, who witnessed the entire ordeal.
Letlape died on the scene from her injuries.
In his confession, Zitha claimed that Letlape confronted him while he was drinking wine and reading on the patio.
He alleged she hurled insults about his deceased parents and had been emotionally unstable, accusing her of suffering from mood swings and depression.
He also told the court that both of them had been intoxicated throughout the day of the incident.
“I understand the consequences of my plea and accept full responsibility,” Zitha stated in his bail affidavit, adding that he did not believe he posed a threat to others or the public.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the conviction.
“We are confident that, after hearing all sentencing submissions, the court will impose a punishment befitting the brutality and tragic nature of this crime,” said a spokesperson.
