PEDDIE MAN SENTENCED FOR ALCOHOL-FUELED MURDERS

01 SEPTEMBER 2025

PEDDIE MAN SENTENCED FOR ALCOHOL-FUELED MURDERS

The Peddie Regional Court has sentenced Bubele Xhege (26) to an effective 18 years’ imprisonment for the murders of Mluleki Zono (32) and Nkolelo Simani (28). The offences were committed on 07 October 2023 during a traditional ceremony at Crossroads Village, Peddie.

The court heard that the accused had been drinking alcohol with the deceased and others at a homestead where the ceremony was taking place. A quarrel broke out after Xhege forcefully took a cigarette from Zono. Although witnesses managed to intervene and defuse the situation, Zono later stepped outside. Xhege followed him and stabbed him twice in the neck.

When Simani, the second deceased, attempted to intervene, Xhege fled the scene. Simani and another witness pursued him while alerting the police. Upon arrival at the accused’s home, Xhege emerged and charged at Simani, stabbing him three times in the back. After Simani fell, the accused continued to stab him multiple times until he succumbed to his injuries. A witness immediately ran to seek help.

Xhege was arrested the following morning, still wearing blood-stained clothing. He pleaded guilty, claiming that he had been heavily intoxicated at the time and could not recall the events. However, the prosecution argued that the plea was not an expression of genuine remorse but rather an acknowledgement of the overwhelming case against him.

Acting Regional Court Prosecutor, Thobani Matyeni, submitted comprehensive evidence, including a photo album, post-mortem reports, and a victim impact statement compiled with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer, Busisiwe Matyalana. The statement, authored by Zono’s father, described the profound emotional trauma experienced by the family, particularly the devastating effect on Zono’s three-year-old son, who will now grow up without his father.

In sentencing, the court recognised the seriousness of the offences but deviated from the prescribed minimum of 15 years per count, considering that Xhege was a first-time offender who expressed remorse. He was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment on each count of murder, with six years of the second count to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 18 years.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, commended the work of the prosecution and the investigating team, stating: “This case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of alcohol-fueled violence. The swift and decisive action by the police, the diligent work of the prosecution, and the courage of the witnesses were crucial in ensuring justice was served. While no sentence can bring back the lives lost, we hope this outcome brings some closure to the bereaved families.” Mr Madolo further emphasised the importance of community involvement in the fight against violent crime and acknowledged the critical role of court preparation officers in supporting victims’ families throughout the judicial process.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Cell: 073 555 9292

Enquiries: Email: nmakupula@npa.gov.za | Cell: 068 268 2473