MAN GETS DOUBLE LIFE SENTENCE FOR COUSIN’S RAPE AND MURDER

19 SEPTEMBER 2025

MAN GETS DOUBLE LIFE SENTENCE FOR COUSIN’S RAPE AND MURDER

The Mtunzini High Court has sentenced a 41-year-old man to a double life sentence for the rape and murder of his cousin in August 2021 in the Ezimpakaneni area, which is situated on the outskirts of Nongoma. The accused and the deceased (24 years old) lived in the same area, and they had an acrimonious relationship. On the day of the incident, the deceased had spent time with her friends at a particular homestead. She left her friends at some point and encountered the accused on her way home. He raped her and then strangled her to death. After the incident, members of the community questioned the accused, and he confessed to raping and killing the deceased. However, following his arrest, he denied confessing.

In court, the state, represented by Adv. Pretty-Girl Thobile Ntsele handed in DNA evidence linking the accused to the rape. In addition, the state led the testimony of two people who were present amongst the community members when the accused confessed to the rape and murder. Both these witnesses told the court that the accused had confessed voluntarily and without any influence.

In aggravation of sentence, Ms Ntsele handed in a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Mandisa Paulette Sikakane and compiled by one of the deceased’s sisters. In the statement, the woman said that the deceased was a family-oriented person who took care of all their needs. She fixed things around the house and made sure that they had food to eat. The woman said that they were deeply hurt and shocked when they learned that the accused was responsible for their sister’s death, as they considered him to be their brother. The accused was convicted and sentenced accordingly. His application for leave to appeal his conviction and sentence was refused.

The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. Curbing the scourge of gender-based violence remains one of the organisation’s top priorities.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

071 6700 229