Woman Convicted For Killing Own Grandmother
A granddaughter, Nomaswazi Rachel Tshabalala (31), was convicted for killing her grandmother and spending the deceased SASSA grant, by the High Court of South Africa Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg. The accused pleaded guilty to a charge of murder, 24 counts of fraud, theft of the deceased bank and SASSA cards, obstructing and defeating the administration of justice as well as statutory perjury.
The accused resided with her grandmother, Nomsa Hilda Tshabalala, in Mndeni ( Soweto), and admitted that she was under the influence of drugs when she killed the elderly woman after an altercation with her, where she was kicking her out of her home on 14 December 2019. In her plea explanation, she stated that she reported Nomsa, missing on 19 December 2019, at the Naledi police station. She further stated that she thereafter started withdrawing funds from Nomsa's Nedbank and SASSA cards, from 17 December 2019 until 03 September 2020.
She was arrested on 03 September 2020, for using the deceased elderly woman's card, whilst she reported her missing. She was kept in custody and charged with fraud and theft, until a tenant discovered the remains of the deceased in June 2021. Nomsa 's relatives had decided to rent out the house, following the arrest and detention of the accused. The new tenant was busy cleaning the yard when he discovered Nomsa’s remains buried underneath a steel cabinet in the backyard. DNA profiling was conducted and matched that of Nomsa. Further investigations led the investigating officer, Sergeant Quma, to Johannesburg Prison where Nomaswazi was an awaiting trial detainee.
Senior State Adv Tshimangadzo Xakaza told the court that the State does accept the plea explanation but will however argue during sentencing proceedings that the murder was premeditated. Acting Judge Makamu, convicted the accused of premeditated murder and ruled that in her plea explanation, the accused stated that she intentionally killed Nomsa, and further explained that she had an opportunity to reconsider her decision, after Nomsa was unconscious but alive, after hitting her with the calabash on her head but proceeded nonetheless to strangle her with her bare hands.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division
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