Dieketseng Sello, a female aged 26, has been convicted and sentenced to a period of 13 years of incarceration without parole for the act of unlawfully causing the death of her male partner, Isaac Molai Moleko, aged 31, within the jurisdiction of South Africa.
Sello received a sentence from the Pretoria High Court, which was convened at Palm Ridge, on the date of Thursday, August 31, 2023. The court determined that she was not qualified to possess a firearm.
During the evening of June 18, 2021, it was presented to the court that the individual referred to as the deceased, alternatively known as Skills or Lai Lai, accompanied another female to a residence cohabited by Sello in the locality of Kotshong.
During the course of their time indoors, a physical altercation ensued between Sello and the individual who is no longer living. Following the altercation, the deceased individual escorted the other female to her residence. Upon his reentrance, the altercation recommenced between the two parties.
During the altercation, Sello inflicted multiple stab wounds into the deceased individual. Subsequently, she requested the assistance of the neighboring individuals to transport the deceased individual to the adjacent medical facility, whereupon his demise was officially pronounced upon arrival. The local residents contacted law enforcement authorities, resulting in the apprehension of Sello at the location.
During the sentencing proceedings, advocate Micheal Shivuri raised a pertinent matter to the court's attention. It was revealed that while Sello was released on bail in relation to the present case, he was subsequently convicted and sentenced to six months of imprisonment for theft in February 2023. Additionally, it was noted that while being transported back to Sun City prison from a court appearance, Sello managed to escape but was later apprehended and subsequently sentenced to one year of direct imprisonment.
Moreover, Shivuri testified before the court that Sello exhibited a lack of remorse for her conduct. Additionally, the pre-sentence report, prepared by the social worker, indicated that this was not the initial instance in which Sello had engaged in physical assault against the dead.
Furthermore, Sello has deprived her children of a paternal influence, resulting in their upbringing without the presence of both parents. Consequently, he has appealed to the court to administer a punishment commensurate with the severity of the offense.
During the sentencing process, Judge Mlotswa concurred with the state's argument that Sello's lack of remorse was evident. This was demonstrated by her failure to provide an apology to the family of the dead, as well as her decision to move on with her life, get into a new relationship, and have further children.
According to Mlotswa, the individual's behavior exhibited a notable lack of empathy and emotional detachment, as evidenced by their callous reference to the deceased as a dog.
Moreover, he asserted that the children experienced psychological distress as a consequence of her behavior, leading to the absence of a paternal figure in their lives.
Finally, the transgression committed by Sello was of significant gravity and widespread in our nation. Therefore, it is anticipated by society that courts will impose punishments in order to discourage individuals who engage in illegal behavior. Hence, it is incumbent upon the court to convey a clear and unequivocal message that offenses of this nature will not be sanctioned," the judge further remarked.
The deleterious association between the dead individual and Sello commenced in the year 2016 and was reportedly characterized by intermittent periods of separation and reconciliation thereafter. According to his family, she had previously inflicted a stabbing wound against him.
