Court Hands Down 20-Year Sentence
BREYTON – A Mpumalanga man received a 20-year prison sentence for the murder of a sex worker in October 2024. The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Breyton sentenced 33-year-old Jacques Jacobus Alwyn Botha this week.
Botha murdered Zodwa Angelina Sibiya on a farm in Vogelspruitspoort near Belfast on October 18, 2024.
Crime Details and Arrest
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said Botha picked up Sibiya from a street in Belfast and took her home. They drank alcohol and became intimate before continuing to drink.
“Sibiya started making noise, which irritated Botha,” Ndubane said. “He tried several times to stop her, but she continued. He then strangled her with his hands and later used her underwear.”
Botha wrapped Sibiya’s body in a carpet and dumped it inside a hole, covering it with stones. After some time, he turned himself in to the police. Authorities later retrieved Sibiya’s body and identified her as a resident of Emthonjeni.
Court Sentencing and Judgment
The court sentenced Botha to 18 years for murder and seven years for defeating the ends of justice. However, five years of the second sentence will run concurrently with the murder sentence.
“The accused will serve an effective 20 years behind bars,” Ndubane said. “The court also declared him unfit to own a firearm.”
Authorities Urge Vigilance
Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to report crimes and assist investigations. Community members can provide anonymous tips through Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS mobile app.
Authorities emphasize the need for increased vigilance to prevent gender-based violence and crimes against vulnerable individuals.
Botha remains in custody and will serve his sentence without parole eligibility for the first portion of his term. The case highlights the ongoing fight against violent crimes in Mpumalanga and across South Africa.
