Man faces sentencing for stabbing ‘Pastry Princess’ in front of daughter

Zuko Komisa

Sibusiso Zitha is set to be sentenced today for the murder of his partner, celebrity chef Thembekile Letlape, known to many as the ‘Pastry Princess’.
Zitha pleaded guilty to stabbing Letlape multiple times during an argument at her home, a tragic event that occurred in front of their 10-year-old daughter.
The victim’s family, while grieving, has stated that they find some solace in Zitha’s guilty plea, which has spared them the trauma of a protracted trial.

Sibusiso Zitha is set to be sentenced today at the Johannesburg High Court after being convicted of the murder of his partner, celebrity chef Thembekile Letlape.

Letlape, affectionately known as the ‘Pastry Princess’, was found dead in her Fourways home in northern Johannesburg last year.

Her body was discovered by her father, Dr Kgosi Letlape, after she had sent a distressing text message to her mother.

In July, Zitha pleaded guilty to the murder, admitting that he had fatally stabbed Letlape multiple times during an argument. Tragically, the attack took place in front of their then 10-year-old daughter.

While the family has expressed deep pain over the loss, they have also stated they found some relief in being spared the trauma of a prolonged court trial due to Zitha’s guilty plea.

At her memorial service last year, Dr Kgosi Letlape paid a moving tribute to his daughter, honouring her life and career.