NPA SECURES LIFE SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO BRUTALLY MURDERED GIRLFRIEND IN FRONT OF THEIR CHILDREN

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentence imposed by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Mbombela on 45-year-old Mduduzi Victor Nkwambe for the brutal  murder of his girlfriend, Thabisile Mhlanga.

The sentence reflects the NPA's unwavering commitment to holding perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) accountable and securing justice for victims and their families.

Nkwambe and Mhlanga were in a domestic relationship and lived together with their four children in eManyeveni Trust, outside White River. Their relationship had deteriorated over time, resulting in Mhlanga obtaining a protection order against him.

On 12 November 2021, Nkwambe returned to the home where Mhlanga and their children resided. During an argument, he accused her of being involved with her former boyfriend. He initially left the premises but later returned armed with a knife. Upon finding Mhlanga at a neighbour's house, he chased her until she fell and repeatedly stabbed her in full view of their children.

Mhlanga died at the scene as a result of the multiple stab wounds. Nkwambe fled after the attack but was subsequently arrested. He remained in custody throughout the proceedings after the State successfully opposed his release on bail.

During the trial, Nkwambe pleaded guilty to the offence and was convicted of murder.

In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Natalie Msibi highlighted the devastating impact of GBVF on communities and submitted that the accused had shown no genuine remorse for his actions. She argued that his decision to plead guilty was informed by the overwhelming evidence against him and urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The State also presented a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena and compiled by the deceased's children. The statement detailed the profound emotional, psychological and financial consequences of the murder on the family, particularly on the children who witnessed the brutal killing of their mother.

In imposing sentence, the court underscored the seriousness of the offence, noting that an innocent and defenceless woman had been murdered by a person who claimed to love her. Finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, the court sentenced Nkwambe to life imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA welcomes the sentence as a significant measure of justice for the victim and her family. It serves as a clear message that acts of domestic violence and femicide will be met with the full force of the law.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide through the effective prosecution of offenders and the protection of vulnerable members of society. Victims and survivors of domestic violence are encouraged to report incidents to law enforcement authorities and seek assistance from available support services. Reporting such crimes enables timely intervention, strengthens victim protection, and supports the successful prosecution of perpetrators.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Director of Public Prosecutions - Mpumalanga