Inanda femicide: chef gets 18-year sentence for brutal murder of girlfriend

The family of a Durban woman murdered by her boyfriend left the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court devastated after his sentencing on Wednesday.

Mbali Mokokone, 29, was killed in Amaoti, Inanda, north of Durban, last year by her boyfriend, 39-year-old chef Zimisele Dlulisa. Her brutal death sparked widespread public outrage after it emerged that Dlulisa strangled her, stabbed her in the neck, and left a blood-stained brick beside her body.

Dlulisa, according to testimony, had lured Mokokone to his Inanda home under the guise of celebrating her birthday. An argument allegedly broke out in front of their two children and escalated, culminating in the attack.

In one of the most disturbing details to emerge, Dlulisa is said to have dished up a plate of food for himself and eaten next to her corpse shortly after the killing. Mokokone's children witnessed the murder.

Dlulisa's prior attempt at securing bail was dismissed after he told the court the children had been left alone and were in need of care as a father. The court refused his application.

On Wednesday, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison; a decision the Mokokone family has described as a "slap on the wrist."

Speaking outside court, the deceased's sister, Bongekile Mokokone, said the family was shocked by the magistrate's ruling.

"We are not satisfied with this sentence. It's painful that someone who took an innocent woman's life gets such a lenient sentence," she said.

Before sentencing, Dlulisa claimed in mitigation that he and the deceased had shared a good relationship and that both loved their children. He denied allegations of abuse, a claim strongly disputed by Mokokone's family, who say theirs was a relationship marked by regular arguments and fights.

The Mokokones said the deceased had endured a violent and turbulent relationship that showed no sign of progress.

The family is now considering appealing the sentence and expressed frustration that no one from their side was called to testify during the trial.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE