DUO SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 22 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT EACH FOR VIOLENT CRIMES

04 July 2025

DUO SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 22 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT EACH FOR VIOLENT CRIMES

Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court has sentenced Themba Calysters Nkosi (48) and Siyabonga Bongani Maseko (30) to life imprisonment plus 22 years each for a string of violent crimes, including the murder of Muzafalo Kamyuka in Elukwatini, Eersterhoek District. The accused were convicted of murder, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

On the evening of 22 February 2022, the two men, together with an unidentified accomplice, accosted the deceased while he was in his vehicle with his wife and five-year-old child as they arrived at their home. Armed with firearms, the accused robbed the victims of their valuables, including cellphones, and forced the family into the back seat of their vehicle. They then drove to a secluded area outside the village, ordered them out, and as the victims fled, they opened fire, fatally shooting Mr Kamyuka in the head. Following police investigations, both accused were arrested and positively identified during an identity parade.

Although Nkosi and Maseko pleaded not guilty, Senior State Advocate Thulani Msibi led compelling evidence from several witnesses, including the deceased’s wife and a cellphone data analyst. A post-mortem report confirmed that the cause of death was a penetrating gunshot wound to the head.

In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Msibi highlighted the lack of remorse shown by the accused and described the murder as "cruel, gruesome, senseless, and inhumane." A Victim Impact Statement from the deceased’s wife, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nondumiso Thwala, outlined the severe emotional and psychological trauma she continues to endure.

In handing down a sentence, the judge stressed the need to send a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated. She warned that leniency in such cases could erode public confidence in the justice system and fuel vigilantism, posing a serious threat to constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The court found no compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences and imposed the following on each accused: Life imprisonment for murder, 7 years for attempted murder, and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The court ordered that the sentences for attempted murder and robbery run concurrently with the life sentence, meaning both accused will effectively serve life imprisonment. Additionally, they were declared unfit to possess a firearm, and an application by accused 1 for leave to appeal both conviction and sentence was dismissed following the State’s objection.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing, which reflects our commitment to securing justice for victims and ensuring public safety. This case highlights the dedicated efforts of law enforcement and prosecutorial teams in holding violent offenders accountable.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
DPP Mpumalanga
Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 385 5446
Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za