Letlape family slams Zitha’s 15-year term as ‘get-out-of-jail-free card’

The family of slain celebrity chef, Thembekile ‘Pastry Princess’ Letlape, say her killer, Sibusiso Zitha, was effectively given a ‘get-out-of-jail-free card’ by the justice system.

Earlier today, the High Court in Johannesburg sentenced Sibusiso Zitha to 15 years in prison for murdering Letlape.

He confessed to stabbing her multiple times on her face and chest, in full view of their 10-year-old daughter at their Fourways home in May last year.

It is understood that the fatal incident began with an argument in the kitchen while Letlape was cooking. Zitha then drew a knife and stabbed her.

In his confession, Zitha claimed Letlape confronted him while he was reading and drinking wine. He alleged that she yelled and made derogatory remarks about his late parents.

On Thursday, an emotional Zitha told the court the murder was not triggered by a single event, but by long-standing personal struggles.

Handing down the sentence, Judge Shanaaz Mia said the court took into account Zitha’s remorse, his confession, and the fact that he voluntarily handed himself over to the police.

The chef’s father, Dr Kgosi Letlape, says the family is disappointed in the justice system for handing down only the minimum sentence.

“What this means to me is that her life was worthless, there was no consideration of her humanity by the court and the humanity of the family. The case was the state vs Sibusiso, so we will see whether they will appeal. Remember, our child is not coming back, and the message has been sent that she was worthless, and that is what we as the family are contending with,” he said.

“The legal system in the country is not a form of justice, it’s a law firm, it’s a game, and we are the pawns in the game.”

Dr Letlape, who also serves as a Member of Parliament for ActionSA, says South Africa still has a long way to go in reforming its criminal justice system.

“I will personally pursue that the sentencing arrangements around femicide are changed, when you leave it to jurors, you end up with a decision similar to this one. The only way to fix it is for society to have a discussion that women are worthy and their equal members of society.”