Man Sentenced For Killing Ex- Girlfriend’s Mother

The Nelspruit Regional Court sentenced Khulu Bhuti Khumalo (48), from Clau Clau, Ka Bokweni, to 15 years of direct imprisonment for killing his ex-girlfriend’s mother, Sibongile Msimango (65). The accused was further convicted and sentenced for unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. He was dating the daughter of the deceased until their relationship ended.

In April 2016, the deceased’s daughter accompanied the accused to a function and returned home. Later in the night, the accused returned and demanded she open the door for him. The deceased’s daughter refused, and the deceased decided to go outside and speak with the accused, as he was well known to her. He then fired several shots and killed the deceased. This shooting was witnessed by a young female sibling, who saw the incident through the window. The matter was reported, and the accused was apprehended and found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The Regional Court prosecutor, Lazarus Rabothata, relied on the evidence of the eyewitnesses, as well as three ballistic reports.  The accused was found guilty as charged.

Rabothata handed in a Victim Impact Statement, compiled by the deceased’s daughter, and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Zodwa Lekhuleni. In her statement, she authored that the incident of losing her mother has left her traumatized, and she is heartbroken. The court sentenced Khumalo to 15 years direct imprisonment for murder, 3 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and another 3 years for possession of ammunition. 

The National Prosecuting Authority acknowledgements the conviction and sentence, and we hope this will go a long an in addressing the scourge of gender-based violence in our society.

Ends,

Monica Nyuswa

Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga

Enquiries: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za

0764855446