LIFE AND 50 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIMES
03 July 2025
LIFE AND 50 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIMES
Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court has sentenced Nkosinathi Fazo Khumalo (41) to life imprisonment plus 50 years for a series of violent crimes, including the murder of Amos Mathabathela Mgwenya, a former security guard at Mthayiza Primary School in Bhuga Trust, Nsikazi District. Khumalo was convicted on five charges: murder, housebreaking with intent to commit robbery, and three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
On the evening of 18 June 2020, Mgwenya was on patrol at the school when Khumalo confronted him with a firearm and fatally shot him. He broke into the school’s computer lab, stealing computers and other electronic equipment before fleeing. In a separate incident, Khumalo, along with unidentified accomplices, robbed employees at the Mhala Post Office at gunpoint, stealing money and cellphones. He was later arrested for an unrelated matter, and forensic evidence linked him to the crimes.
During the trial, Khumalo pleaded not guilty. However, State Advocate Senzo Zindela presented compelling evidence, including DNA from bloodstains and fingerprints found at the scene. A post-mortem report confirmed that Mgwenya died from multiple gunshot wounds.
In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Zindela emphasised that Khumalo showed no remorse and had brutally murdered a man who was serving his community. Victim Impact Statements from Mgwenya’s wife and children—facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena—detailed the emotional and psychological trauma they have endured.
In handing down the sentence, Judge Roelofse stated that the community is entitled to live in safety and found no compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. The court imposed the following sentences: Life imprisonment for murder, 5 years for housebreaking with intent to rob,15 years each for three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court ordered that the sentences on counts 2 and 3 run concurrently with the sentence for murder, meaning Khumalo will serve life imprisonment effectively. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal both the conviction and sentence was dismissed following the State’s objection.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence, which underscores its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring justice for victims. This outcome sends a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
Regional Spokesperson – NPA Mpumalanga
Tel: 013 045 0625
Cell: 076 485 5446
Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za