The Provincial Commissioner of the #SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentence handed down by the Polokwane High Court against 59-year-old Molabe Fannie Seribishane, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of his wife, Mamsy Seribishane (52).
The court sentenced the accused on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, following his conviction in connection with the murder of 52-year-old Mamsy Seribishane, a nurse who was fatally shot on 22 October 2024 while reporting for duty at Lebowakgomo Hospital.
The deceased was attacked at about 17:30 near the hospital gate by a gunman who fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Golf 7. A murder case was registered at Lebowakgomo SAPS and later assigned to Provincial Detectives, where the investigation was led by Captain Phaladi Makola of the Provincial Tracking Team.
The investigation uncovered evidence linking the deceased’s husband to the murder. Further investigations revealed that the couple was in the process of divorce at the time of the incident and that a protection order had previously been granted against the accused.
After going into hiding following the murder, the accused was arrested on 13 November 2024 while visiting his residence to collect personal belongings. Members of the Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit apprehended him and recovered a 9mm pistol in his possession. Investigations later confirmed that the firearm had been stolen in Seshego during June 2024.
Ballistic analysis conclusively linked the firearm to the murder of Mamsy Seribishane. Despite the overwhelming evidence presented before court, the accused denied involvement in the crime throughout the proceedings. His applications for bail were unsuccessful.
The State’s case was successfully prosecuted by Advocate David Sebelebele. Crucial evidence was also presented by DPCI PCMC cellphone expert Captain Machoene Mabotja, whose technological analysis placed the accused at the crime scene. His expert testimony significantly strengthened the State’s case.
In delivering sentence, Judge Karin Leanee Pillay described the State’s case as watertight and noted that the accused had shown no remorse for his actions. The court found that he had planned and executed the murder of his wife.
The accused was sentenced as follows:
* Count 1: Murder – Life Imprisonment
* Count 2: Contravention of the Domestic Violence Act – Six (6) years imprisonment
* Count 3: Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm – Fifteen (15) years imprisonment
* Count 4: Possession of Ammunition – Six (6) years imprisonment
The court ordered that sentences on Counts 2, 3 and 4 run concurrently with the life sentence imposed for murder. The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The court also advised the deceased’s family of their right to make representations before the parole board when the offender becomes eligible for parole consideration.
“This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and domestic-related murders will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. We commend the dedication and professionalism displayed by the investigation team and prosecution, whose hard work ensured justice for the late Mamsy Seribishane and her family,” said Lt Gen Hadebe. #sentencing
#EndGBVF
