LIFE AND 23 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR ROBBERY AND FEMICIDE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life and an additional 23 years’ imprisonment handed down to Vusimuzi Victor Makhaye by the Estcourt Regional Court. This follows his conviction on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and defeating the administration of justice. The offences arise from the September 2023 murder of his partner, Nosipho Constance Madondo (40).
Makhaye and Madondo, who were in a domestic relationship, resided in Mooi River and Estcourt, respectively. Before the incident, Makhaye devised a plan to kill Madondo and rob her of her belongings. He lured her to Mooi River under the pretext that he had arranged diesel for her vehicle, as she drove a diesel-powered vehicle.
On 01 September 2023, Madondo informed a friend that she was travelling to Mooi River to visit Makhaye. The friend later became concerned after failing to reach her for several hours. When she eventually got through, Makhaye answered Madondo’s phone and claimed she was fine but refused to allow them to speak. Subsequent attempts to contact Madondo were unsuccessful as her phone had been switched off.
Fearing for her safety, the friend reported Madondo missing to the police. A tracking device installed in Madondo’s vehicle was activated, and on 05 September 2023, police, together with a vehicle tracking company, located the vehicle parked at a residence on Hilton Road. While observing the vehicle, they saw Makhaye approach it.
Upon confronting him, police found him in possession of Madondo’s cellphone. He denied any knowledge of her whereabouts. In the days that followed, Makhaye misled investigators by claiming Madondo was with another man in Mooi River. This information was later proven to be false.
Makhaye subsequently conducted a pointing-out, which led to the discovery of Madondo’s body in a field opposite the R103 road. She had sustained blunt force trauma to the head, her face was covered with plastic, and she had bruises on her body.
In court, Prosecutor Eddie Mbewu led evidence from police officials who recovered the vehicle. They testified about damage consistent with attempts to locate and remove the tracking device. Additional testimony revealed that Makhaye had sought advice on how to remove such a device. A member of Madondo’s family also testified, describing her as a devoted parent who loved her children.
Makhaye was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, Life imprisonment for murder and 8 years’ imprisonment for defeating the administration of justice. The court ordered that the sentences for robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the administration of justice run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA hopes this sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide will be held accountable.
Issued by:
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson – KwaZulu-Natal Division