Sithobele Qebe has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Paarl Regional Court for the murder of his girlfriend, Siphokazi Booi. Qebe, who pleaded guilty to several charges including murder, assault, and desecration of a corpse, received multiple sentences that will run concurrently, effectively giving him a life sentence.
On September 3, 2021, Qebe and Booi, who lived together at 35 Ntshamba Street, White City, Mbekweni, outside Cape Town had a heated argument. Booi wanted to visit friends and have drinks, which Qebe opposed. Despite his objections, she went out and later returned with a friend, Beauty. The situation escalated when Booi came back home more intoxicated and entered through a window after Qebe did not open the door.
An argument ensued, leading to Qebe kicking Booi in the stomach multiple times. She fell, vomited, and appeared to be in severe pain. After ejecting her from the house, Qebe found her later unresponsive. Fearing discovery, he placed her body in a wheelie bin and dumped it on a burning dumpsite, hoping the fire would destroy the evidence.
Earlier, Qebe had been arrested for assaulting Booi, which led to charges of grievous bodily harm. He was granted bail on August 11, 2021, with a condition not to contact Booi, which he violated. Prosecutor William da Gras argued that Booi was murdered to prevent her from testifying against Qebe in the assault case. He highlighted that Booi was the only witness in that case, making her death a premeditated act to silence her.
The court heard from several witnesses, including medical experts and officials from Ilitha Labantu and Action Society, who testified to the brutality of the crime. A probation officer’s report included emotional testimony from Booi’s aunt, Nontando Booi, who expressed anger and grief over her niece’s death, emphasizing the cultural and emotional impact on the family.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Nicolette Bell expressed shock at the cruelty of the case. She emphasized the ongoing fight against gender-based violence and femicide, noting that the sentencing during Women’s Month underscores the commitment to reduce such violence and provide justice for victims and their families.