The Johannesburg High Court is set to sentence Sibusiso Zitha today for the brutal murder of his partner, renowned celebrity chef Thembekile Letlape. The beloved culinary artist, widely celebrated as the ‘Pastry Princess’, was tragically killed in her Fourways home last year. Zitha entered a guilty plea in July, admitting to the court that he repeatedly stabbed Letlape during a violent confrontation.
The horrific incident unfolded in front of the couple’s young daughter, who was just ten years old at the time. The child witnessed the attack that claimed her mother’s life, a detail that has added a profound layer of tragedy to the case. Letlape’s father, Dr Kgosi Letlape, discovered her body after the chef had sent a deeply concerning message to her mother.
Chef Thembekile Letlape Killer Sentencing Today
While the Letlape family continues to grapple with an unimaginable loss, they have acknowledged that Zitha’s decision to plead guilty has provided a small measure of relief. This admission has spared them the additional anguish of enduring a long and painful trial. The family’s focus now turns to the court’s sentencing, hoping for a outcome that reflects the severity of the crime.
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A close family associate, who wished to remain anonymous, stated,
“The pain is still very raw, but not having to go through a trial has been one less burden. Their main concern now is for the wellbeing of the little girl who saw everything. She is the one who must live with this forever.”
A Legacy Remembered
Thembekile Letlape’s legacy extends far beyond this terrible crime. She was a shining star in South Africa’s food industry, an inspiration to many aspiring chefs, and a devoted mother. At her emotional memorial service last year, her father, Dr Kgosi Letlape, paid a powerful tribute to her vibrant spirit and incredible achievements.
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“He took away a light from this world that can never be replaced,” Dr Letlape said of his daughter during the service. “We are not here to mourn a victim, but to celebrate a phenomenal woman whose talent and love touched so many. We will ensure that her daughter knows the incredible woman her mother was.”
The nation now awaits the court’s decision, a final step in a case that has highlighted the devastating consequences of gender-based violence.