MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL MURDER

15 August 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL MURDER

Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The High Court of South Africa has today sentenced Present Sibuyi (31) to 25 years direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of Nonwell Nkuna (33) over allegations relating to a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout.

Sibuyi was convicted of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of ammunition. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

On 06 January 2025, Sibuyi and an unknown accomplice followed the deceased and other victims after they left Mbube Tavern in Buyisonto, Bushbuckridge. When the victims stopped their vehicle on the roadside, the accused ambushed them at gunpoint, forced them into their vehicle, and drove to a secluded location.

During the ordeal, Sibuyi accused one of the victims of having received a RAF payout, robbed them of a cellphone and R1 800 in cash, and fired multiple shots at them. Nkuna died on the scene from gunshot wounds to the head and hands, as confirmed by the post-mortem report.

In court, Sibuyi admitted his actions were unlawful and entered into a Section 105A plea and sentence agreement with the State. State Advocate Fedile Tsotetsi argued that the murder was premeditated and committed violently without any provocation. The court accepted the plea and imposed the sentence.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face the full might of the law and that justice is served for victims and their families. Ends

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za