TRIO SENTENCED TO LIFE 7 LIFE TERMS PLUS 60 YEARS FOR THE MURDER OF UFH ACADEMICS
The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Makhanda has sentenced three men, Silindokuhle Mangali (22), Sakhele Limba (34), and Wanda Limba (30) to seven life imprisonment terms plus 60 years for their role in a housebreaking, robbery, rape, and double murder of University of Fort Hare (UFH) couple in Hogsback.
On 30 September 2022, the accused broke into the home of renowned academics, Judith Masters (67) and Fabien Genin (51). They assaulted and stabbed Genin, tied him up, and removed Masters’ lower clothing, exposing her. Mangali then raped Masters with his co-accused’s assistance before they strangled her to death.
A post-mortem examination revealed the severity of the victims injuries, including traumatic brain damage and manual strangulation.
Arguing for an appropriate sentence, Advocate Andile Nohiya argued forcefully for a substantial sentence, emphasising the brutality and severity of the crimes committed. “The accused’s actions demonstrate a shocking disregard for human life and dignity,” he said. “Their crimes have left an indelible mark on the community, and it is imperative that justice is served.”
The court’s verdict sends a strong message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated. Mangali received 20 years and three life sentences, while Sakhele and Wanda were sentenced to 20 years and two life sentences each.
“We welcome this sentence as a significant victory for justice, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable members,” said The Director of Public Prosecution in the Eastern Cape, Mr. Barry Madolo. “This sentence serves as a powerful deterrent to would-be offenders and reassures the community that justice will be served.”
It can never be over emphasised how important human life is and therefore we will be vigorous in our pursuit of these cases in order to serve as deterrent to would be murderers.
