LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN WHO MURDERED HIS PARTNER IN STERKSPRUIT

11 November 2025 

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN WHO MURDERED HIS PARTNER IN STERKSPRUIT

Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape – The Sterkspruit Regional Court has sentenced Luyanda Mbolekwa (34) to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his domestic partner, Nokwazi Mpompo Ntloko (31). The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

On the night of 24 August 2024, the couple was last seen together by Ntloko’s daughter at a local tavern. The next day, they were seen by Mbolekwa’s brother and later his father, walking towards Ntloko’s home. Later that day, the deceased was found dead in her locked bedroom, with no sign of forced entry.

Her body was discovered naked, lying face down on the floor and covered with clothes and blankets in what appeared to be an attempt to conceal the crime. She had sustained two stab wounds to the back, multiple scratches, and a swollen neck. Bloodstains were found on the floor, bed, and bedding, while the key to the bedroom and both of the deceased’s cellphones were missing.

When police arrived at the scene, they called for Mbolekwa, but he fled. Officers then proceeded to his home, where his father informed them that he had escaped into the nearby mountains. Blood-stained clothes were found in his residence, and the deceased’s cellphones were later traced to his possession.

While police were still at the family home, Mbolekwa called his mother and confessed to stabbing Ntloko to death. He also admitted the killing to his brother. Despite being urged to surrender, he refused. Three days later, community members apprehended him in the mountains. Upon his arrest, police recovered the deceased’s two cellphones, her house keys, and a knife believed to be the murder weapon.

Further aggravating the matter, investigations revealed that Mbolekwa was on parole for a rape conviction at the time of the offence. He had been released on 21 September 2023, with parole conditions valid until 29 May 2027. In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Anele Magibile emphasised the brutality of the attack and the accused’s lack of remorse, particularly given his history of violence against women. He argued that Mbolekwa posed an ongoing danger to society and demonstrated utter disregard for human life and women’s safety.

Welcoming the outcome, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence, stating: “This life sentence sends a strong message that gender-based violence and the senseless killing of women will not be tolerated. The accused’s actions were calculated and cruel, and the justice system has responded firmly. We hope this outcome brings some comfort to the victim’s family and reaffirms our commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.”

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Tel: 047 501 2630 | Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: Nokuthula Makupula

Tel: 068 268 2473