MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND

02 June 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND


The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Bhisho has sentenced Sithembiso Zondwa Dzengwa (32) to 18 years of direct imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend and mother of his child, Babalwa Ngcakani (27). The sentence stems from a tragic domestic violence incident which occurred on 17 December 2023 at Zone 6, Zwelitsha near Qonce.

Dzengwa and Ngcakani were involved in a romantic relationship. On the day of the incident, Dzengwa—who lived in a flat behind the main house returned home from a night of drinking in the early hours of the morning. As he was about to go to bed, the deceased, who lived nearby, entered his flat, locked the door, and took the keys.

A heated argument ensued, with Ngcakani accusing Dzengwa of infidelity. According to his guilty plea submitted in terms of section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, Dzengwa alleged that the deceased physically assaulted him and later armed herself with a knife from the cupboard and stabbed him. In a panic and while attempting to disarm her, he took possession of the knife and fatally stabbed her multiple times.

Neighbours were alerted by the commotion and screaming. They found Dzengwa’s flat locked and requested him to open, he told them to take the key as he had thrown it out of the window. Upon entering the flat, they discovered the deceased lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds and Dzengwa bleeding from his own injuries. Emergency services were called, but the deceased was declared dead on the scene.

The post-mortem report confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds to the chest, including 14 lacerations, with a fatal wound penetrating her lung and heart. The J88 medical report confirmed Dzengwa also sustained several lacerations to his upper body, ribs, and hands.

Although the deceased initiated the physical altercation and stabbed the accused first, the court found that Dzengwa’s response exceeded the bounds of self-defence. The attack was described as severe and sustained, suggesting intent to kill.

The State, represented by State Advocate Tanduxolo Soga, argued that the manner and severity of the attack demonstrated clear intent to kill, particularly given the fact that the deceased had no avenue of escape after Dzengwa threw the keys out of the room.

In mitigation, the court considered Dzengwa’s background—he witnessed the murder-suicide of his parents at age four—and the fact that he had no previous or pending criminal matters. A family member testified that he expressed deep remorse while recovering in hospital and asked that an apology be conveyed to the deceased’s family.

In handing down sentence, the court recognised the complex and tragic circumstances surrounding the case. While the deceased initiated the violence, Dzengwa’s retaliatory force was grossly disproportionate, leading to her untimely death.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said: "While the court accepted that the deceased initiated the altercation, it correctly found that the accused’s reaction was disproportionate and fatal. This outcome reinforces the principle that violent retaliation in domestic settings will not be tolerated. Justice has been served not only for the victim but also for her young son, who will grow up knowing that her life mattered."

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) maintains a firm stance against all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that such offences are prosecuted without fear or favour and that the rights and dignity of victims are upheld throughout the judicial process.

The NPA also extends its sincere appreciation to all role players who contributed to the successful prosecution of this case, including the investigating officer, medical experts, the community members who acted swiftly, and the Court Preparation Officer Ms Sandisiwe Moyakhe, who provided unwavering support to the victim’s family throughout the trial.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
Regional Spokesperson Eastern Cape Division
National Prosecuting Authority
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za | 068 268 2473