NPA SECURES LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR FEMICIDE PERPETRATOR

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment imposed by the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha on 36-year-old Nkosiyethu Sizeke for the brutal murder of his 22-year-old girlfriend, Alindiwe Nodlabi.

In addition to the life sentence for murder, the court sentenced Sizeke to 30 years' imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and five years' imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice.

Evidence presented in court established that the accused and the deceased were in a domestic relationship and lived together in Marhewini Location, in the Marhubeni area of Ngqeleni. Before his arrest on an unrelated matter, the accused gave the deceased an amount of R25 000 to keep on his behalf. Following his release from custody, he demanded the return of the money, but the deceased no longer had it.

An argument ensued, during which the accused assaulted the deceased at their residence. To escape the assault, the deceased informed him that the money was with her mother. The accused, accompanied by two associates who acted as runners in his drug-dealing operations, went to the deceased's family home, where they confronted her mother and sister to recover the money.

When the money could not be produced, the deceased refused to return with the accused. He forcibly dragged her to his vehicle and drove her back to the home they shared.

Upon arrival, the accused shot the deceased in the head in the presence of his two associates. She died at the scene. He then instructed the two men to remove her body from the property. Community members later discovered the body.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Sizeke, who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Among the witnesses called by the State, Advocate Siphokazi Maarman led the evidence of the two associates, who testified as Section 204 witnesses. They told the court that the money at the centre of the dispute was the proceeds of drug trafficking. They further described the accused as a feared and ruthless figure within the community.

In handing down sentence, Judge Mbulelo Jolwana agreed with the State's submission that the scourge of femicide continues to escalate across South Africa.

"Regrettably, the situation is not getting better. It is getting worse, as every day women and children are being abused in various ways and even killed for the flimsiest of reasons, as if their lives do not matter. In some cases, their bodies are discarded. The accused similarly arranged for the deceased's body to be removed and dumped. Incidentally, several women were recently found murdered in various places in the Ekurhuleni district of Gauteng."

The court also highlighted the aggravating circumstances surrounding the offence.

"The very act of dumping the body of the deceased as though she were a piece of rubbish is a serious aggravating factor, in addition to the offence of defeating the ends of justice. The accused showed absolutely no remorse. On the contrary, he made desperate attempts during sentencing proceedings to revisit and deny responsibility for the murder despite the court having already found, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he committed the offence."

Welcoming the outcome, Eastern Cape Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, said:

"This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against women will be held fully accountable for their actions. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide, while supporting all efforts aimed at eradicating these crimes from our communities."

The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide and to ensuring that justice is delivered for victims, their families, and affected communities.

Ends

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division