Socialite's killer gets life sentence

After a long and emotional wait, justice has finally been delivered for the family, friends, and colleagues of Yvonne Mitchell Mafuta, a well-known Mutare hairdresser who was brutally murdered in January last year.

Her killer and former boyfriend, Thulani Mhlanga (40), was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Isaac Muzenda at the Mutare High Court on Tuesday, bringing closure to a case that gripped the local community with shock and sorrow.

Mhlanga admitted in court to fatally assaulting Mitchell in a jealous rage, confessing that he smashed her head against a wall three times after suspecting her of infidelity.

Among those deeply affected by the tragic case was Mr. Lovebond Mutora, a taxi driver who had unknowingly played a part in the events leading up to the murder. Mutora had ferried Mhlanga to Mitchell's home shortly before the fatal attack.

In the aftermath, Mutora faced intense suspicion and harsh social media scrutiny despite being innocent.

"This is quite relieving. The investigation process was not easy. I lost myself. People on social media accused me of being involved. My work suffered. My family life was affected. I was confused and depressed," said Mutora.

He explained how Mitchell had informed him of Mhlanga's arrival from Harare and had asked him to pick the accused up from Stanbic Bank after giving him Mhlanga's number.

"I transported him to her residence, unaware of what would happen next. The following day, I was asked to buy food for them, but when she didn't contact me afterwards, I thought all was well until I was later informed that she had been found dead."

Mutora further revealed his cooperation with police during the investigation, including advising them to check CCTV footage from Stanbic Bank, which captured Mhlanga's arrival and helped confirm his identity through evidence of SIM card swapping.

"The police treated me fairly and called me numerous times for information. It was a stressful period. I was threatened and judged, but I am grateful the truth prevailed."

Mitchell's sister, Catherine Mafuta, who attended the sentencing, described the verdict as a relief for the family, though the pain remains deep.

"Although we cannot bring our dear sister back, we are relieved that Mhlanga will spend the rest of his life behind bars. He deserves this sentence. The pain will take time to heal, but justice has been served."

Ms. Alithabeloe Tlou, a close friend and fellow nail technician, said the sentence was a comforting end to a traumatic chapter.

"Yvonne's loss left a huge gap. We never took this lightly. This sentence brings relief to her friends, colleagues, and the wider community who cared for her."

In a statement, Honourable Gertrude Mutandi, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, praised the judiciary and law enforcement.

"We commend all involved for ensuring justice prevailed. This case highlights the urgent need to protect women from Gender-Based Violence. The sentence sends a strong message that brutality against women will not be tolerated."

The community now hopes that this verdict will serve as a deterrent to future violence and reaffirm the commitment to safeguarding women's rights and dignity.