LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR INTIMATE PARTNER FEMICIDE

13 AUGUST 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR INTIMATE PARTNER FEMICIDE

The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced a 41-year-old man to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife in July 2024 in the Jakkalspan area. The accused and the 29-year-old deceased (his wife) lived together as husband and wife since the accused had paid a portion of lobola to her family. They had four children together. On the evening of 11 July 2024, the accused and his wife were alone at home when a quarrel broke out between them. This is because he suspected her of cheating on him.

The quarrel escalated, and the accused strangled her to death. Thereafter, he went to his brother’s homestead, where he reported to his brother that he had strangled his wife. He told his brother that he was going to hand himself over to the police. The accused then walked to the police station and reported to the officer on duty what he had done. The police took him back to his homestead, where he showed them his wife’s body. He was then arrested and charged with murder.

In court, Prosecutor Zama Zikalala led the testimony of the accused’s brother, as well as the testimony of the police official who was on duty when the accused confessed to his wife’s murder. The postmortem results were also handed in to the court. In aggravation of sentence, Zikalala told the court that the accused had a previous conviction for assaulting the deceased on a prior occasion. The accused was sentenced accordingly, and the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. We remain committed to the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. We will continue to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and decisively.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229