Court slaps Sibusiso Zitha with 15-year sentence for murder of girlfriend, ‘Pastry Chef’ Letlape

Mapaballo Borotho

Businessman Sibusiso Zitha has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, pastry chef Thembekile Letlape.
He admitted to stabbing her seven times during an argument at their Johannesburg home in May 2024.
While the court considered his remorse and cooperation, Letlape’s family was left devastated, hoping for a harsher sentence.

Businessman Sibusiso Zitha has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, pastry chef Thembekile Letlape.

He appeared before the Johannesburg High Court on Friday, where Judge Shanaaz Nia noted that Zitha showed remorse and took responsibility for the killing.

The 41-year-old admitted to stabbing Letlape seven times during an argument at their Johannesburg home in May 2024.

Zitha testified that although he and Letlape had a good relationship, they often argued, and a dispute on that day turned deadly.

Judge Nia acknowledged that Zitha handed himself over to police, confessed, and spent more than a year awaiting trial, while also considering his role as a father to minor children.

Despite these mitigating factors, Letlape’s family expressed disappointment, saying they had hoped for a life sentence. Her mother broke down in tears after the judgment and was comforted by loved ones outside court.

BREAKINGNEWS: The man convicted of killing Thembekile Letlape affectionately known as #PastryPrincess has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Sibusiso Zitha confessed to stabbing Letlape 7 times with 2 knives after an argument erupted between them. KH #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/whmptlHsft

— Kaya News (@KayaNews) September 19, 2025