SERIAL OFFENDER SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS PLUS THIRTY YEARS FOR THE RAPE AND MURDDER OF SIBLINGS

25 June 2025

SERIAL OFFENDER SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS PLUS THIRTY YEARS FOR THE RAPE AND MURDDER OF SIBLINGS

The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Mthatha has sentenced Thando Mgqobozi (30) to three life imprisonment terms for two counts of murder and rape, as well as 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances plus five years for kidnapping. The sentences are as a result of the conviction for crimes committed against two sisters ten years ago by Mgqobozi, who is serving a life term for murder and robbery he committed while out on bail. While still in custody awaiting trial for the case for which he was sentenced today, he was sentenced for another crime of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm that he committed before his arrest.

On the morning of 02 December 2015, the lifeless bodies of sisters, Siyamthanda and Cordelia Koli, aged 12 and 16, respectively, were found in a forest near their home in Lower Nqadu administrative area in the district of Willowvale. They were half naked, with multiple stab wounds and their hands tied with a belt. The discovery was reported to the police and information was received that they were last seen in the company of Mgqobozi, after they had been attending a traditional ceremony the previous night. The cellular phone of the deceased, Cordelia, was discovered at Mgqobozi’s place of residence. He was arrested on the same day and DNA samples taken from him positively placed him at the scene of the crime.

When the matter went to trial in 2017, Mgqobozi employed delaying tactics, including changing attorneys twice. On 24 March 2021, the Mthatha High Court granted him R1500 bail as the trial dragged while he was an awaiting trial inmate for five years since his arrest. Less than three months after his warrant of liberation was signed, Mgqobozi committed four serious offences, including robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, for which he was convicted on 19 October 2023. Even though Senior State Advocate Mbulelo Nyendwana led overwhelming evidence against the accused, he maintained his innocence but exercised his right to remain silent.

Delivering the judgement on sentence, Judge Mbulelo Jolwana noted that “Mgqobozi has not expressed any remorse at all and so it is not even relevant consideration. There is absolutely nothing on which anyone can have any vail hope that there could possibly be a chance that he can be rehabilitated. He is just a hardened cowardly criminal who sees nothing wrong with brutalising young girls for personal sexual gratification and the twisted joy in murdering his victims to hide his criminal conduct.”

Welcoming the sentence, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo praised the prosecution team and all role players involved in bringing the matter to a close. This was a senseless and brutal act of violence that devastated innocent young girls and their family. The fact that the accused will begin this sentence after completing his current life term is a demonstration of the seriousness with which our courts view such crimes. The National Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za