EX-BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR FEMICIDE

13 June 2025

EX-BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR FEMICIDE

The Willowvale Regional Court has sentenced Pumezo Voyi (41) to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of his former girlfriend, Amandla Mkhosi (33), who had ended their relationship due to his abusive behaviour. The murder took place on 11 May 2024, during the day, in the rural outskirts of Willowvale. On the day of the murder, Mkhosi and her friend had gone to check on her homestead and livestock as she had sought refuge at the friend's home. As they returned to the friend's home, they encountered Voyi exiting a local shebeen. He approached the ex-girlfriend and requested to speak to her. She refused. He left, only to reappear further down the path and again ask to speak to her, but she declined once more.

Moments later, Voyi returned armed with a homemade hunting firearm. Mkhosi, sensing the danger, attempted to shield herself behind her friend, who pleaded with Voyi not to shoot. In a chilling turn of events, he fired a shot over their heads. Terrified for her own life and that of her children, Tshaka instinctively stepped aside. Mkhosi then tried to disarm the attacker, but he fired at close range. The bullet fatally pierced her heart and liver. He fled the scene, while Tshaka ran to the village to summon help.

Although Voyi pleaded guilty, Regional Court Prosecutor Yandisa Mhaga rejected his plea as it was inconsistent with the evidence. The accused claimed he fired only one shot and that his intention was merely to recover his identity document and bank card, alleging that the deceased was misusing the card to buy alcohol on credit. However, this narrative was disputed by the state's sole eyewitness, the friend of the deceased.

Mhaga prayed for a conviction of premeditated murder and a sentence of life imprisonment, highlighting the calculated nature of the killing, the vulnerability of the deceased, and the accused’s prior history of violence. Voyi had one previous conviction for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) dating back to 2015.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down to the accused for the brutal killing of his former partner. Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, commended the courage of the eyewitness and applauded the diligent work of both the police and the prosecution team. This outcome sends a strong message that the justice system will not tolerate femicide or gender-based violence. The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to securing justice for victims, upholding the rights of women, and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held fully accountable.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
Regional Spokesperson Eastern Cape Division
National Prosecuting Authority
047 501 2630
Cell: 073 555 9292
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za