MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIME

21 August 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIME

Nelspruit, Mpumalanga – The Nelspruit Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Sabelo Ndwandwe (28) to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Khaya Surprise Masuku at Sinqobile, Barberton.

On 01 January 2024, the deceased and his friends were sitting outside a tavern when the accused arrived with two unknown assailants. Ndwandwe threw a bottle at one of the witnesses, hitting him in the mouth, which led to a confrontation between the two groups. The accused and his accomplices left the scene but later returned armed with knives.

The deceased and one of the witnesses tried to run away, but the accused chased after them. Masuku fell to the ground, where Ndwandwe stabbed him several times in the chest, resulting in his death. The police were alerted, and subsequent investigations led to Ndwandwe’s arrest. His co-accused remains at large.

In court, the accused pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence. However, State Prosecutor Michael Mazibuko presented compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony and a postmortem report confirming that Masuku died of stab wounds to the chest.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Mazibuko argued that the accused had ample time to reflect on his actions and that the murder was both premeditated and brutal. He emphasised that Ndwandwe’s conduct was violent and urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Vusi Mtshweni underscored the need to send a strong message that violent crimes will not be tolerated. Finding no compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, the court sentenced Ndwandwe to life imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentence. Such outcomes provide justice and closure to victims’ families and ensure that violent criminals are removed from society. These successful prosecutions are the result of meticulous investigative work and demonstrate the NPA’s commitment to prosecuting violent crime. Ends.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

Regional Spokesperson – NPA Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za