MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR STABBING HIS PARTNER
23 July 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR STABBING HIS PARTNER
Mpumalanga-The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Breyten has today sentenced Sunday Nzimande (35) to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend Gugu Bongiwe Mamba (31) accusing her of cheating. The accused pleaded guilty to the offence and was subsequently convicted of premeditated murder. The accused and the deceased were in a domestic relationship, residing in Amsterdam in the Gert Sibande District with their two children.
The horrific incident unfolded in the presence of two minor children aged three and six years on 6 June 2024. The accused and the deceased were together in their home when the deceased received a phone call from an unknown person. After the call, the accused questioned the deceased about the caller. Unsatisfied with her response and suspecting that she was having an affair. An altercation ensued, and it became physical, prompting the accused to stab the deceased with the knife in the neck. The deceased died instantly, and the accused was arrested two days after the incident happened.
In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Kedibone Mthimkhulu argued that the accused’s plea was a mitigating factor, emphasising the brutality of slitting the throat of the deceased as inhumane. Post-mortem report revealing that the deceased died of Anterior part slit open, as well as a Photo album depicting the crime scene where the deceased body was found, were presented. Advocate Mthimkhulu further presented a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the deceased daughter describing the financial, psychological, and emotional trauma she suffered since the death of her mother.
In handing down the sentence, the presiding officer described the accused ‘s action as inhumane and cruel stating that Nzimande violated the victim’s constitutional right to life. The court found no reasons justifying deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Nzimande was sentenced to life imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence which reinforces that gender -based violence, particularly when witnessed by children, will not be tolerated. We further commend the bravery of witnesses in helping the court deliver justice. This outcome demonstrates the seriousness with which the justice system treats gender -based violence and domestic violence. Ends.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson DPP Mpumalanga
0130450625 / 0764855446