The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a life imprisonment sentence against 27-year-old Retshidisotswe Khumisi of Khutsong township in the West Rand for the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Ntsoaki Annah Hobson.
Khumisi was sentenced in the Pretoria High Court after he was convicted of murdering Hobson during an argument in March 2025.
According to NPA Gauteng regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the couple had an argument during the early hours of March 2, 2025, during which Khumisi repeatedly stabbed Hobson in the neck before fleeing the scene.
Later that day, Khumisi handed himself over to the police and has remained in custody since his arrest after the NPA successfully opposed his bail application.
Khumisi pleaded not guilty and denied committing the murder.
However, State Prosecutor Advocate Michael Shivuri presented evidence that proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in his conviction for premeditated murder.
During sentencing proceedings, Khumisi asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
He argued that although he had a previous conviction for possession of suspected stolen property, he should be treated as a first-time offender in relation to violent crimes.
He also cited his personal circumstances, including having three minor children who depend on him, the time he had already spent in custody and his consumption of alcohol before committing the offence.
Shivuri argued that Khumisi had been convicted of a serious crime that remains prevalent in South Africa and had shown no remorse for his actions.
He further submitted that Khumisi had abused the position of trust he held as Hobson’s partner and the father of one of her children.
Mahanjana said Shivuri also highlighted the devastating impact of the murder on Hobson’s family.
“He robbed the children of their mother and, through his imprisonment, deprived them of their father’s presence,” Shivuri argued.
He also told the court that the murder had caused lasting psychological harm to Hobson’s mother.
A Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Kgomotso Lodi was also placed before the court.
In the statement, Hobson’s mother described the profound impact her daughter’s death had on her life, saying she had never been the same since discovering her daughter’s lifeless body.
Judge Jacobus Johannes Strijdom agreed with the State that Khumisi had shown no remorse and that the offence was extremely serious.
The court noted the alarming levels of violent crime in South Africa and said those who commit such offences must face the full consequences of the law.
Strijdom further found that Hobson’s death had a devastating impact on her family and recognised the value of her life.
The court noted that the murder was committed in the family home, where Hobson should have felt safe with her children.
Instead, Khumisi violated that trust and subjected her to fatal violence.
The court found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence and sentenced Khumisi to life imprisonment.
Mahanjana said the NPA welcomed the sentence, which she said sent a strong message that gender-based violence and crimes against women and children would not be tolerated.
“The authority remains committed to prosecuting such offences without fear, favour, or prejudice and to securing justice for victims and their families,” said Mahanjana.
