DOUBLE MURDER ACCUSED SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 75 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT

07 November 2025

DOUBLE MURDER ACCUSED SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 75 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT

Middelburg, Mpumalanga – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Delmas has sentenced Simon Bhuti Thwala (28) to life imprisonment plus 75 years for the gruesome murders of two pensioners, Khehlani Aaron Nkosi (68) and Hleziphi Rosta Nkwanyane (77), committed on separate occasions. Thwala pleaded guilty to all charges and was convicted on two counts of murder, one count of rape, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and one count of theft.

Between May and June 2024, Thwala targeted elderly farm dwellers in the Gert Sibande District. On one occasion, he broke into Nkosi’s home at Bloukop Farm. When the victim entered the house, Thwala, who was hiding behind the door armed with a tow bar, struck him several times on the head, killing him instantly. He fled the scene with the victim’s cellphone and a Bluetooth speaker.

On 21 June 2024, Thwala attacked Hleziphi Rosta Nkwanyane at Vezubuhle Farm. He approached her under the pretext of asking for water while checking if she was alone. After confirming that no one else was present, he threatened her with a knife, undressed and raped her. He then demanded her cellphone and stabbed her multiple times, leaving her dead on the floor. Before leaving, he stole her bank card, which he later used to withdraw R2 000 from her account. Following an intensive police investigation, Thwala was arrested and found in possession of the deceased’s belongings.

During the trial, he admitted that his actions were unlawful and punishable under the law, pleading guilty in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. He expressed remorse for his actions. The State, represented by Advocate Amos Mtsweni, submitted a victim impact statement compiled by the deceased’s children, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Khethiwe Mathebula. The family expressed deep pain and an inability to come to terms with the brutal loss of their parents.

In sentencing, the court found no compelling or substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. Thwala was sentenced as follows: Life imprisonment for rape,20 years’ imprisonment for each count of murder,15 years’ imprisonment for each count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and 5 years’ imprisonment for theft. The court ordered the lesser sentences to run concurrently with the life term, meaning Thwala will effectively serve life imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this sentence and reaffirms its commitment to securing justice for vulnerable members of society. This conviction demonstrates effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the NPA’s dedication to prosecuting violent crimes. Ends.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

Regional Spokesperson

NPA Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625

Cell: 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za