The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Pretoria High Court to Matsobane Phineas Mashaba (28) from Hercules. Mashaba was convicted of the murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Shaunice Maralize Phite.
The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
NPA Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahajana said that on the night of 3 September 2023, Mashaba and the deceased were at their residence in Hercules when he asked for her cellphone. After going through its contents, an altercation ensued, during which Mashaba strangled and stabbed the deceased multiple times in the neck and abdomen. Following the incident, Mashaba fled to Limpopo.
Mahajana said that on 5 September 2023, he returned to Pretoria and handed himself over to the police. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
During the trial, Mashaba pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that he acted in self-defence.
“However, State Prosecutor Advocate Sipho Lalane presented compelling evidence that proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. During sentencing proceedings, Mashaba, through his legal representative, requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, citing that he is a first-time offender and the primary financial provider for his mother and siblings,” Mahajana said.
“The State opposed this, arguing that the offence is extremely serious and prevalent across the country. Advocate Lalane further submitted that Mashaba demonstrated a lack of remorse, noting that he left written notes explaining his actions on top of the deceased’s body after the murder. The court also heard a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese, in which the deceased’s father, aunt, and cousin described the profound emotional trauma suffered by the family. They indicated that they were unable to view her body and that their lives have been permanently altered by her death,” Mahajana added.
In delivering judgment, Judge Papi Mosopa agreed with the State that Mashaba showed no remorse and committed a crime that is disturbingly prevalent in society. The court found that he violated the deceased’s constitutional right to life and noted that her life, as a promising netball player, was cut short. The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence and accordingly imposed life imprisonment.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and to supporting survivors and their families throughout the legal process,” Mahajana concluded.