WILLOWMORE WOMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER OF SECOND BOYFRIEND 

25 July 2025 

WILLOWMORE WOMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER OF SECOND BOYFRIEND 

Willowmore, Eastern Cape – The Willowmore Regional Court has sentenced Maria Jordaan (38) to life imprisonment for the murder of her boyfriend, Koos Noble (48), in a disturbing case of gender-based violence (GBV). The incident took place in October 2024 at Witkopskuil Farm in the Sarah Baartman District. 

The court heard that the couple had been in a romantic relationship when a verbal altercation ensued. During the argument, Noble referred to Jordaan’s previous murder conviction, allegedly saying, “You’re a killer, you want to kill me too.” Jordaan then retrieved a knife and fatally stabbed him in the neck. Noble died at the scene. The matter was reported to police by the farm owner, and Jordaan handed herself over immediately. 

The case drew further attention due to Jordaan’s previous conviction for murder. In 2011, she was found guilty of killing another boyfriend in a similarly violent domestic dispute. While initially sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, she served about 10 years before the sentence was overturned on appeal by the Supreme Court of Appeal. 

In arguing for the maximum sentence, Prosecutor Temba Mathew Mavakala submitted that no substantial or compelling circumstances justified deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. He noted the domestic nature of the crime and Jordaan’s previous conviction. The court also considered a victim impact statement from Noble’s family, which detailed the emotional and financial trauma they suffered. The court concurred with the prosecution and imposed the life sentence, further declaring Jordaan unfit to possess a firearm, despite her admission of guilt. 

Welcoming the outcome, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Barry Madolo, stated: “This sentence reinforces our commitment to combating domestic violence. We commend the investigating team and the prosecution for ensuring that justice was served.” The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence as a clear message that violence in domestic relationships will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable. 

Issued by: 

Luxolo Tyali 

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division 

Tel: 047 501 2630 

Cel: 073 555 9292 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za