LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 15 YEARS FOR MAN WHO MURDERED HIS FATHER AND RELATIVE WHILE OUT ON BAIL

26 May 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 15 YEARS FOR MAN WHO MURDERED HIS FATHER AND RELATIVE WHILE OUT ON BAIL

Whittlesea, Eastern Cape – The Regional Court sitting in Whittlesea has sentenced 38-year-old Zuko Sigenu to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his father and an additional 15 years for the earlier murder of a relative. Both crimes were committed in the village of Thornhill, and Sigenu was out on bail at the time he committed the second murder.

The court heard that the first murder occurred on 25 September 2021, during a traditional ceremony at the family home. Sigenu became embroiled in an alcohol-fueled altercation with the victim, a relative. Despite efforts by others present to defuse the situation, Sigenu pursued the victim after being separated and fatally stabbed him with a sharp object. The State led evidence from two witnesses and successfully secured a conviction based on a combination of direct and circumstantial evidence.

While on bail for this offence, Sigenu committed a second, even more shocking crime, the murder of his father, on 12 August 2023. On the night of the second incident, a neighbour testified that Sigenu arrived at their home in an intoxicated and visibly angry state. The neighbour had earlier overheard a heated argument between Sigenu and his father, including chilling pleas from the father saying, "Zuko, don’t kill me." Moments later, the father was found in a pool of blood with more than ten stab wounds to his upper body. He was declared dead at the scene.

Sigenu was arrested shortly after and denied involvement. However, the State, represented by Regional Court Prosecutor Siphelo Kwehla, argued convincingly that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to his guilt. The court agreed, finding that Sigenu showed no remorse, and described the patricide as an aggravating factor warranting the maximum sentence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence: “It can never be overemphasised how important human life is. The NPA will continue to pursue such cases with vigour to send a strong message and deter would-be murderers. Justice must prevail, especially in cases where the sanctity of family has been so cruelly violated. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the efforts of the prosecution and law enforcement for securing this conviction. The outcome underscores the NPA’s commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that violent offenders are held fully accountable for their actions.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Cell: 073 555 9292
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za