Lawyer Sentenced to Life for Killing Girlfriend and Burning Her Body in Midrand

A South African attorney, Thubelihle Sbonakaliso Mpisi, 30, has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his girlfriend, Mahlako Malebo Rabalao, and setting her body alight in Johannesburg. The South Gauteng High Court handed down the sentence on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, after Mpisi was found guilty of murder, malicious injury to property, and defeating the ends of justice.

Court evidence revealed that Rabalao, a 27-year-old IT specialist, had confided in relatives and friends about her intention to leave Mpisi and move out of their shared home. She never got the chance, as Mpisi killed her before setting her body and their Mercedes-Benz ablaze in an attempt to destroy evidence and cover his tracks.

The charred remains of Rabalao were discovered on March 9, 2023, near her Midrand home. Investigators established that she had been killed before the fire was started, and Mpisi had set her body and vehicle ablaze in an attempt to destroy evidence and cover his tracks.

In the weeks following Rabalao’s death, Mpisi took to Facebook to publicly mourn her, portraying himself as a grieving partner. In a post dated March 23, 2023, he wrote: “Rest in peace, my love. The pain I’m in is so deep. I don’t know where to begin to start picking up the pieces. How do I raise Beanie ungekho?… I thank God for giving me the time we’ve shared together; nothing can ever take that away.”

Michael Olise Accused by Alleged Baby Mama of Abandoning Their Child

He added: “To all those who have given comfort, it is appreciated, and also to all who have given their continuous support in all ways in this dark moment. Your prayers, visits, company, financial and psychological support is highly appreciated.”

Mpisi evaded authorities for four months before being arrested in KwaZulu-Natal on July 28, 2023. He has remained in custody since then, having abandoned his bail application. The court’s life sentence brings a measure of closure to a case that gripped South Africa and drew widespread attention to the dangers faced by women in relationships.

The case is a stark reminder of the risks that women face in relationships, and the importance of taking allegations of abuse and violence seriously. As the court’s sentence is carried out, the family and friends of Mahlako Malebo Rabalao will finally find some measure of justice and closure.