30-YEAR-OLD POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR ACID ATTACK THAT KILLED HER PARTNER

21 AUGUST 2025

30-YEAR-OLD POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR ACID ATTACK THAT KILLED HER PARTNER

Johannesburg – The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, has sentenced Courtney Badrodien Madella (30), a police officer, to 20 years’ imprisonment for an acid attack that led to the death of her partner, Nomalungelo Khumalo. The accused was sentenced to 15 years for murder and an additional five years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH). The Court ordered the sentences to run consecutively, resulting in an effective 20-year sentence.

On 27 February 2023, Madella, and Khumalo, who were in a romantic relationship, attended a party with a friend. After returning home, an argument ensued during which the accused threw acid on Khumalo, causing severe burn injuries. The friend, who had been asleep on a couch nearby, was also injured in the attack. Khumalo was hospitalised but tragically succumbed to complications from the acid burns on 03 March 2023. Investigations revealed that Madella attempted to conceal the crime by disposing of the acid container and the couch. She was later arrested after a warrant was issued.

During trial proceedings, Senior State Advocate Rachel Kau called the deceased’s mother to testify about the devastating impact of seeing her daughter’s condition before her passing. Advocate Kau further argued that the accused was the clear aggressor in the attack. The defence had asked the Court to impose a five-year sentence under correctional supervision, but this was rejected due to the seriousness and brutality of the offence.

This conviction underscores the NPA’s commitment to ensuring accountability in crimes of gender-based violence. The killing of women by their intimate partners can never be normalised, and perpetrators of such heinous acts must face the full might of the law. The NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of such cases daily to protect communities and secure justice for victims of crime.

Issued by:

Phindi Mjonondwane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Johannesburg

083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245 ‎